Gay marriage in New Hampshire

June 3, 5:13 PMPortland Progressive ExaminerMichael Stone

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New Hampshire became the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. Gay marriage is now legal in Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts (all of the new England states, except for Rhode Island). Gay marriage is also legal in Iowa. In addition, California briefly allowed gay marriage before a public vote banned it; a court ruling grandfathered in couples who were already married.

Before signing the legislation Governor John Lynch proclaimed "Today we're standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear they will receive the same rights, responsibilities, and respect under New Hampshire law".

The Governor went on: "It is my hope and my belief that New Hampshire will once again come together to embrace tolerance and respect and to stand against discrimination. Today is a victory for all the people of New Hampshire who, I believe, in our own independent way, want tolerance for all. That's truly the New Hampshire way," he said.

What is curious, and hopeful, is that Governor John Lynch personally opposes gay marriage, yet signed the legislation anyway. Lynch, a Democrat, had promised a veto if the law didn't clearly spell out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate at gay marriages or provide other services. Legislators made the changes.

Lynch's concern about forced religious participation is often expressed as a reason to oppose gay marriage. Yet advocates of gay marriage have never wanted religious recognition of gay marriage, all that has ever been sought is legal recognition. Some churches will and do recognize gay marriage, others do not. That is of no concern to the state or voters.

All in all, more good news. Governor Lynch should be applauded for overcoming his own bias and doing the right thing. Justice is moving slowly, but it is moving in the right direction.

Yes we can.