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(The amendment's language is printed in full at the end of the piece. - promoted by Jennifer Daler)
We're down to the wire on passing marriage equality, which if we can make this work is going to help tens of thousands of New Hampshire citizens who for decades have had to put up with inequality, plus the intolerance that we have faced in many ways.
Governor John Lynch took a big step last week in coming down on the side of marriage equality. He will sign House Bill 436 if we put into another part of state law an additional and clearer protection of the independence and freedom of religious organizations and Churches. His language follows some wording of Connecticut's marriage equality legislation, as well as Vermont.
The language will appear as an amendment onto House Bill 73, which will come in from the Senate. We'll see it in final form after the Senate Judiciary Committee considers it tomorrow, but it follows the wording that the Governor requested last week. I have included his news release, and the draft language being offered by Senator Deb Reynolds.
I have added comments about HB 436, and the Governor's requested language, from our friends of marriage equality. We can put this issue behind us, successfully, by supporting HB 73 as amended. This is about, and for, our young people of New Hampshire -- for our future.
(Part put "below the fold" by me. - promoted by Dean Barker)
Every now and then -- not every day perhaps but every now and then there is a day at the State House in Concord that is simply fun. You feel good about having participated in the process.
Thursday was such a day. Four bills were up for public hearing about LBGT equality. Two would reduce our Civil Unions Law, and the other two provide full marriage equality and fighting discrimination based on gender identity.
The bills were in front of the House Judiciary Committee, chaired with the element of class by longtime Nashua Representative David Cote. Dave's a Democrat, and a mighty good one.
One of our proudest accomplishments in the 2007 Legislature was the passage of Civil Unions, a move toward full equality for our New Hampshire gay and lesbian friends, family members, and neighbors. It was fantastic to see Governor John Lynch sign the bill into law in May of that year. During the past 13 months that Civil Unions have been allowed, 621 couples have made their commitment to share their love, caring, and lives together.
Now that's a coup, and interestingly timed after Norelli's Clinton endorsement. New Hampshire based, but nationally known, openly gay, progressive and religious leader Gene Robinson has endorsed Barack Obama. A very interesting catch indeed. From the press release:
"As my work shows me every day, leadership means bringing people together and inspiring them to live out their values," Bishop Robinson said. "Barack Obama sees beyond the partisanship and hopelessness that have dominated in recent years, and the movement he's building is bringing vital new energy and optimism into our democratic process. I'm excited to work with Barack to bridge the old divides and make this country one again."
Bishop Robinson was the first openly gay man elected bishop of a major American Christian denomination, and has never before publicly endorsed a candidate for office.
A resident of Weare, New Hampshire, Robinson is known for his innovative approach to ministry and his work in clerical leadership development and conflict resolution. He is deeply committed to service, working in Africa to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, and leading programs here in New Hampshire to increase access to health care and promote the development of affordable housing.
I have a fundamental disagreement with the "seeing beyond the partisanship" theme that Obama has pushed, but I am equally impressed with his string of NH endorsements so far that speak right to me: the Hirshbergs, the Duncans, Congressman Hodes, and now the Bishop. Senator Obama is literally surrounding me with people I really like.
