After months of stomping thier feet, crying, and even trying to make believe that they believed in civil union to push the repeal of same sex marriage in New Hampshire. The National Organization for Marriage was dealt a MASSIVE BLOW today when the New Hampshire Republican-controlled House today rejecting a bill aimed at repealing the state’s existing marriage equality law with a 211 to 116 vote.
Also the New Hampshire House voted down the Bates Amendment, which would have forced a non-binding referendum on marriage onto the November ballot and replaced marriage with civil unions.
Stripping away the freedom to marry in New Hampshire was a top priority of the National Organization for Marriage and other national anti-gay groups, which had predicted that they would be able to garner the vote of two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate to override the promised veto by Governor John Lynch.
Craig Stowell, co-chair for Standing Up For NH Families reacts.
Today is a banner day for the freedom to marry. Our opponents have been crowing about getting their two-thirds, but in the end, it’s clear they couldn’t muster the votes. This is a victory for our supporters — the majority of Granite Staters who oppose any roll back of marriage equality — because they reached out time and again and told lawmakers to leave this law alone. This was our opponents’ best shot and they blew it. This was supposed to be the most favorable legislative climate for repeal and they couldn’t even get a majority. Still, we cannot simply pack our bags and go home. Our opponents still want to end marriage equality in New Hampshire and we must keep a watchful eye on the Legislature, and make sure voices of equality are heard in November. But this is a good day for all New Hampshire families who can celebrate tonight and know their marriages are no longer under attack in Concord.”
Congratulations to the law makers of New Hampshire the Live Free or Die state for telling Brian Brown, NOM, and all the other anti-gay organizations out there to Fuck Off And Die!
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!
Now the fight continues. On May 8 there is a constitutional amendment on the ballot in North Carolina. Amendment One not only is aimed at gay couples but will affect all non-married couples. The republican controlled legislature has placed this vote when they feel the progressive side will not come out to vote…go figure. Touring Theatre of North Carolina has a production entitled “Second Class”. Risking their non-profit status it is a brave, heart-breaking, and powerful piece. Check out their site, support them. This amendment has ramifications on all living in North Carolina straight and gay.