Live Update from Rally at the State House

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins

Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 11:52:51 AM EDT

Thanks to all who are here, in person or in spirit. I'm posting updates here at Blue Hampshire and also on Twitter (NHfreedom2marry).

The rally began at 9:00 AM on the State House plaza, with great speakers including Dawn from Planned Parenthood, a family from the Concord area (including a wonderful speech by 9-year old Annie), a rousing pep talk by Senator Martha Fuller Clark,

"Today I call on all my Senate and House colleagues to vote in favor of equality. It's time for liberty and freedom."

Kicked off with the pledge of allegiance and closed with the crowd singing the Star Spangled Banner together, NH's strong values of freedom and equality rang loud and clear throughout the entire rally.

The highlight speaker was Mo Baxley of NH Freedom to Marry. Mo is one of the faces of the fight for equality in New Hampshire, and you never would have guessed that this tiny figure in a pale blue suit would have taken the stage in the manner she did, striding to the podium and immediately projecting a voice of fierce determination and dogged passion.

The Senate vote was heard on the plaza, and I have to tell you - it was awesome. The response and energy here has been non-stop and we're going to keep it going as long as it takes!

Crowd reacting to Senate vote (most folks were in gallery, we have a crew inside and out):