YOUR COMMENTS

All power residing originally in, and being derived from, the people, all the magistrates and officers of government are their substitutes and agents, and at all times accountable to them. Government, therefore, should be open, accessible, accountable and responsive. To that end, the public’s right of access to governmental proceedings and records shall not be unreasonably restricted.

Just a reminder to the citizens and elected officials of NH. The people have the right to a vote on this issue if we call for such a vote. So far I have seen very little in the way of all of our elected officals being responsive.
Thank you to those of you who have an ear for the people and not your hand out for the bribery taking place at our state's peril.
- Richard Rizzi, Farmington

I think it's important to get a gay marriage bill passed so we can fix other things that are wrong with heterosexual society. While civil unions may give gays and lesbians all the same legal rights of heterosexuals it does not change the meaning of marriage the way this same sex marriage bill does and a change in the definition of marriage is a huge first step to all that needs to be accomplished and fixed with a straight society. Until we can redefine marriage we cannot change other things. For example, Mother's Day and Father's Day just have to go because they are so discriminary. Instead we need a Parent's Day to honor all parents, including gays and lesbians. If heterosexuals won't accept gays and lesbians, we will force them to do so with the legal protections of the law. So there.
- Ann, Concord

@Henry Greene, Manchester,

Your comment "Your rants are so typical of what is wrong with society today" shows just how out of touch the commenter's are who support the hate of individuals long protected under equality laws....the term hate is used as it is how we are treated, but, thank God, only by a few older and out of touch people who have not assimilated into what we call society have such thoughts.
- Gary, Stratham

Jan, dont praise God this did not pass, praise the NH House of Representatives! God had nothing to do with it, he is not even a registered voter.

The last time I sang Jesus loves me with my son, we left out the verse about those evil homosexuals. Now that I think about it, there is no such verse.

Wow... could it be that good religious folk such as yourself are the root of hatred and are not as loving as you think you are?

Just a thought. But when you start loving and accepting your neighbor, I will start listening to you and your intolerant garbage thoughts.
- Randall, Manchester

You people are a riot. You are all ranting about equality and using our state motto to further your cause when the truth of it is that you don't even believe what you are saying yourselves.

If a convicted child molester/killer were released from prison and moved next door to you....would you still say equality for all and live and let live?

I doubt it....

Oh and before you say "it's not the same thing"....it actually is....it is about equality and freedom...which in every country is the world is not equal nor is everyone free.

So, this issue has nothing to do with equality...it has everything to do with society's opinion. If society deems this as morally repugnant, then it will be illegal....if they deem it acceptable, then it will be permitted. But please spare me the equal rights for all nonsense.
- Bob, Manchester, NH

Lynch Lied, Marriage Died!
- Willie, Atkinson

Praise God this has not passed. This issue needs to go before the people for a vote. Homosexuality is an abomination to God. It is now an a mental disorder, deviant sexual behavior. The Homosexual agenda is to have their life style make all others "discriminatory against" them. They have a plan to take over with their deviant behaviors the New England states by 2013. Does anyone realize that they choose "open marriage" life styles more than not. Whatever initial money might be made by the marriage industry--beyond their current civil unions marriage --will be more than consumed from health care costs.
- Jan, Londonderry, NH

Gary from Stratham:

Your rants are so typical of what is wrong with society today. If someone does not agree with you, you accuse them of being hateful. Since religious institutions are against what you want, they teach hate. There is no attempt to understand the other side.

Currently, a brother and sister are not allowed to marry; first cousins are not allowed to marry; polygamy is not allowed. Are these not discriminatory? Where does one draw the line?

If I do not agree with gay marriage, why cannot my views on the subject be heard and understood without being accused of hate?

In my brother's town in MA, one gay couple tried to get the school board to stop celebrating Mother's Day because their child did not have a mother. Where does this end?
- Henry Greene, Manchester

Speaking of live free or die why not let the people decide with a ballot question next election? Why the rush we already have civil unions.
- Deb, Derry

Two cents...

This is exactly the type of nonsense they try to distract us with while they ROB US BLIND! Enough! If they manage to get the State budget and economic climate in order then they should move onto these issues.

So it's not enough that Gay people can marry but people that disagree with it must carry out ceremonies against their will? Good for you Guv. Where are the Freedom-Howlers on this point?

An observation.... that can pass any bill they want and give it any name they want but you can't legislate acceptance.
- Biff, Canterbury

Did anyone else besides me take note that an openly GAY REPUBLICAN changed his vote and voted against this bill causing it to fail?

Greg Barrett
- Greg Barrett, Manchester

awww, and this is exactly why the people should have a voice in this, NOT our government!

more and more and more and more money wasted on RIDICULOUS issues.

gays, who cares?

jobs, who cares? more people care about this, because only GAYS care about their issues! If you think otherwise, seriously... think about how little gay marriage, passing or not, would impact YOUR life IF you are not gay.

so, let's keep spending money on stupid issues!
- scott, chichester

The only thing we can do now is pray, pray, and pray some more that there is no agreement between the House and Senate and the bill gets vetoed. It really bothers me that people call Christians or people who are against gay marraige all sorts of names. You don't see us calling you names in our posts. I am not hatefu, as I follow Jesus and he exemplified love. I am not a hypocrate, but the church is full of them and sinners. That is why there is church for God to help us in our weakness and our sin. You should try it sometime--you might like it and maybe even see why people are so against gay marriage. By the way, we are not taught to hate. We are taught to love. Love the person, not the sin. Read the bible, especially the new testament--it is full of love. Nuff said!
- Cathy, Manchester

This whole affair is further proof that this isn't about "tolerance" but rather advocacy and endorsement of a particular lifestyle. Increasingly in our country and (sadly) our great state, if one isn't unambiguously a homophile one is pilloried and smeared as a homophobe. And forcing merchants to cater to same sex couples or else face sobering and crippling penalties is the height of tyranny. If everything is OK, then where does one draw the line? How can the state possibly argue against bigamy, polygamy, etc., etc.????
- Pete, New London

I had to stop reading the comments after about 7 or 8. The gays and liberals of this country have managed to create a situation where if straight and conservative people protest against gays and liberals, it's the straight and conservatives that are being immoral. The double standard has been their platform.
- John, Manchester

How much time are we going to WASTE on this foolishness? Each town will be struggling with a huge loss of revenue with the current state budget. Are we dealing with that? NO, we are not. We are wasting time on this for a few stupid special interest groups (mostly filled with out of state people).
The Gov. needs to just VETO this. They have civil unions!
- Tim, Hanover

The true agenda of the house - TOTAL gay marriage equality with no regard for those whose religious beliefs mandate that they do not accept gay marriage - had just played out today. The discrimination is clear, and it is towards the religious, not the homosexuals. When two married men or two married women can produce children together, then we can talk about equality. For now, 0% of all children of gay marriage will only have, at most, one biological parent in that marriage. This is not OK. This is not equal. Incidently, I would gladly cater a gay person's birthday party, family reunion, etc. I draw the line at a gay marriage or union not out of discrimination, but so as not to be complicit in an act that violates the mandate of my Lord.
- CG, Newfields

Frankly, it's foolish not to serve or take the money of ANY customers, if they're polite, but this bill is actually about forcing acceptance of a lifestyle and using the full force of state law to do it. So-called liberals and their useful idiots, Libertarians, should think that through a little better, as well as the bill's effect of forcing businesses to extend medical benefits to the gay lovers of their employees. Can small businesses afford this?
- James, Manchester

@Maria, Concord,

My words are a promise that all gay people, their friends and families will carry out faithfully. Discrimination in any form is what is immoral here. We have the right not to visit a vendor who discriminates, as we shall advise our families, friends, associates to do the same. Trust me, they will refuse to use such vendors also.
- Gary, Stratham

Frankly, it's foolish not to serve or take the money of ANY customers, if they're polite, but this bill is actually about forcing acceptance of a lifestyle and using the full force of state law to do it. So-called liberals and their useful idiots, Libertarians, should think that through a little better, as well as the bill's effect of forcing businesses to extend medical benefits to the gay lovers of their employees. Can small businesses afford this?
- James, Manchester

So, I appears that gutless Governor Lynch is about to get away with his sleight of hand. Well, we won't forget come primary election time that when it came to making a tough decision to support the rights of all the citizens of the Granite State Mr. Lynch didn't have the backbone.
- LJC, Manchester

Jeffrey of Peterborough - You move! Don't tell others who don't believe in this gay marriage nonsense to move from what is currently the great state of New Hampshire (won't be if gay marriage is allowed though).

Lynch and Legislature - Do NOT pass this circus of a bill.
- Jodie, Manchester

Marriage is not a religious institution. I'm a devout aethiest and I managed to get marrried. Religion had nothing to do with it.

I wish all you religious nutjobs would apply your energy to fighting a worthwhile fight. Heck, most of you are just still in the closet anyway. Give it up!
- Right, Candia

marriage is a religious institution - plain and simple. Civil Unions are government institutions. I am fine with Civil Unions as long as all heterosexuals who are married by a JP are joined in a civil contract as well - not marriage but a Civil Union.

This is an entire battle of semantics. Educate yourselves and stop the verbal/written idiocy.
- michael, manchester

this issue should be resolved in a democratic vote by the people of the state of NH. CA proposed it on a bill that the people voted on. This is the only fair and democratic way to resolve this issue. Please put the issue of gay marriage on a ballot.
- john lombo, goffstown

To tom campton and others
Obviously you folks who are opposed to this have nothing better to do than show hatred and discrimination. I think Lynch is a ground-breaker--deciding to go with what is right! For the woman who mentioned marrying a cat--you are just plain stupid saying that. Look back in history-people made the same statements about afro-americans to vote and womens' right to vote Being gay myself--civil unions DO NOT give the same rights--read the laws people
- Michael, Allenstown

CURRENT LAW

457-A:6 Rights, Obligations, and Responsibilities. – Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the parties who enter into a civil union pursuant to this chapter shall be entitled to all the rights and subject to all the obligations and responsibilities provided for in state law that apply to parties who are joined together pursuant to RSA 457. [the statute that covers marriage]
:
One of the rights is saying "I'm Married"

One of the rights is checking "Married, filing jointly" on your IRS forms

One of the rights is "I get 1/2 in the divorce"

One of the rights is "still owing on the mortgage if your spouse dies"

One of the rights is calling your partner "Wife" or "Husband"

One of the rights is signing any form that calls for “Spouse’s signature”

One of the rights is visiting in the hospital anytime “husbands or wives” are allowed.

Everything about this law is redundant to what is already on the books. It’s a game of “who can WIN” at the 50 states sweepstakes on gay marriage word smithing.
- Bob, Francestown

"Let me also remind you of the first two women and the original plaintiffs for gay mariage in Mass., Hillary and Julie Goodridge...are now divorced and separated after only 14 months with a small child invloved."

Annah-How many men and women get married and last as long or less time with a small child. It does not matter if it is a man/man or woman/woman situation, divorce is divorce.
- Paula, Manchester

Great. We are now MA North.
- Todd, Francestown

If all of you neo-cons really want to protect marriage, ban divorce! Banning two people in love from marrying is a funny way to try and "protect" marriage. Use logic!
- Ken, Manchester, NH

It's apparent that the rights of those in opposition were not important enough to pass the bill with the Gov's amendments. Based on that, it appears it was an "all or nothing" event which diminishes its original foundation.
- elle, manchester

Hey Jean...What's next - people marrying their pets or televisions/cars?
- Jean, Concord

When your pet or your television can consent to marrying you....go for it dear. We hope you'll be happy.
- Honest Abe, Contoocook

These new fangled conservative gays who want to get married and get in the Army, I don't get it. Nevertheless, better you than me, so go for it!
- Brian, W. Manch.

Hey Jean from Concord. If you want to marry your cat or your car all you have to do is get a law passed allowing it. If that is what you are into, go for it. I don't think you have much of a chance on that, though.
- Steve, Derry

Why is nobody bringing out the truth on this issue? It's not religion, it's not fairness and equality, ITS ECONOMIC !! As one writer said, under marriage I can now get my "partner's" social security when they die, or under health insurance, when my partner comes down with HIV it will be fully covered under my policy, and taxes. Yes the state and businesses will most probably gain revenue, and the lawyers will gain revenues because of divorce, but what about the common person who not lose ss but not gain, or pay increased health premiums, or what I understand to be dozens of other bennies. Why is no one talking about that??
- LKP, Windham

Yes I voted for Lynch. And no, I won't in the future. Just because gay marriage doesn't impact me directly, doesn''t mean it's good, right or acceptable. Polygamy doesn't affect me directly, so are the gay marriage activists in favor of that too? The arguement that since gay marriage doesn't affect us straight folks, we should not be against it doesn't hold any water. The majority of people in this state are not in favor of gay marriage. That alone should be enough to ash can this bill. Our representatives are elected to represent us, not to legislate aqccording to their own beliefs and particularly not against the will of the majority.
- Brian, Farmington

TO Cathy, Derry ".. no religion telling us who to marry."

That is NOT relevant The law is neutralizing (neutering?) gender. Read the proposed law.
Nature -- biology-- is telling us what gender is for, and marriage is the place gender has meaning. It's not religion, it's science and several millenia of human existance that says that same sex couple can't be a marriage.
- Sam T, Nashua

Zoe has it right. People should read the actual bill. What is being passed is that there aren't two genders. That is what is being passed, not the "rights" rheteroic -- look at the proposed law. Legislators who back this as a means to an end -- no matter what end-- are being irresponsible to their duties. This is nonsens. If there are injustices, name them and deal with them specifically, don't try to make mommy identical with daddy.
- Richard, Nashua

Tom, Campton - How in the world does this legislation intrude into YOUR private life?
- Art, Portsmouth

“Disgraceful! Marriage is no loner sacred. It’s a joke in New Hampshire. What’s next people marrying their pets or televisions/cars?” – Jean, Concord

Jean, with a divorce rate of over 50 percent in this country for some odd reason I believe that others prior to the gays have ruined the sanctity of marriage. What most don’t understand is that in the U.S. marriage is a legal term, this isn’t about religion. Jean to possibly refresh your memory or bring you up to speed, if you will. Two men or two women or one man and one woman are all people, your car, pet, or television is not. NH is a special state and good for us for being in the front of the pack rather than in behind. Live Free or Die (or move)!
- Jeffrey, Peterborough

This outcome proves the real object of the radical homosexual lobby was NOT 'equal rights' - they already have these - but to use the machinery of the state to force their lifestyle choices upon others.

We have civil unions for homosexuals. If these are deficient, they can be remedied. Marriage is between one man and one woman.
- Tom, Campton

Cathy - there is no idea more radical than the idea that one can "marry" a person of the same sex, and there is nothing Libertarian about petitioning the government to create this new institution and intrude further into our private lives.
- Tom, Campton

As a former resident, STILL homeowner and often visitor in NH, I can assure you I wont be boycotting anyone in NH refusing or agreeing to do business with gays.

Gary, Stratham: I believe you just proved that no-one can legislate acceptance! Read your post again, its full of hate and intolerance for anyone disagreeing with your beliefs. Zealot is as zealot does!

Let me also remind you of the first two women and the original plaintiffs for gay mariage in Mass., Hillary and Julie Goodridge...are now divorced and separated after only 14 months with a small child invloved. Welcome to the misery of divorce court! The only groups profiting here are the divorce lawyers.

The one good thing that could come from this is equality for divorced men in hetro marriages. They might finally get custody and or resonable levels of child support if women are finally made to pony up CS money to other women and gay men get custody. So, thanks for that possibility!

No, I dont have first hand experience of a bad court deal in NH. Just simply compairing legal rights. After all, its about fairness, right Gary?
- Annah, Austin TX, fornerly Londonderry NH

Gary,
I don't think it's appropriate to threaten boycots of those vendors who don't want to serve gay and lesbian couples. They are well aware of their loss of revenue, and they clearly feel like that is what they need to do for whatever reason. I don't think any couple wants to be served by a hostile vendor. Let them lose revenue to other area businesses, this is a natural consequence. If you want open and accepting relations, you must be willing to be open and accepting as well.
- Maria, Concord

I didn't care one way or another about this bill.
BUT I care about the process. Don't you care about Lynch misleading his position? Don't you care that he didn't take part in the legislative process. This bill has been filed for more than a year. Don't you care about back room deals and having the Speaker and the Senate President hold bills on his desk? Don't you care that the media didn't tell the truth. He vetoed the damm bill and then told them to amend another one and he's sign then. Magically this bill made it from the desks of the Speaker and the SEnate President in mere seconds.

For or against we all should be ashamed of the abuse of our government by these bats in office. Do they deserve respect?
- Annie, Henniker

The controversy over gay marriage has little, if anything, to do with religion. It all has to do with reason. There is nothing more fundamentally irrational than the idea that two men or two women in sexual "union" are equal to a man and woman in sexual union. This is about legislative insanity.

If the NH legislature actually served the state under the guidance of reason, HB 436 would never have been drafted. Reasonable people see this all for what it is -- absurdity, lunacy, shallowness.
- Zoe, Pelham

This has little to do with religion. It's just plain wrong! Lynch - veto this ASAP.
- Bob, Concord

'The only thing we can do is make these elected 'representatives' pay in 2010 and bring real change to NH.They don't represent us - they represent the well-funded radical homosexuals and other special interests.
- Tom, Campton'

Tom, the average NH voter is neither homosexual nor radical. He or she, however is fair-minded and Libertarian in their conservative ways...no seat belts, no religion telling us who to marry. The vast majority of reps are in line with this thinking. The world will not end tomorrow.
- Cathy, Derry

Brandy,

Minor changes? The way the bill came to him would have FORCED religious groups under state law to marry people they do not believe should marry.
- Jim Wilson, Manchester

I congratulate everyone involved in passing this bill - it shows the world that religious zealots are not running this country, or this state, or my town!

Thank you, one and all.

Also, please be aware that we will keep track of any vendor who will not provide services to a gay person or couple simply due to their sexual orientation. You will be boycotted by very many people in the state, and even those who visit.

As for the churches against homosexuality, for thousands of years you have taught hate. Now, people do not attend and the religious institutions are starving for cash. Hate is inexcusable.

Would you go to a place that told you all the time that your brother, sister, son, daughter, mother, father, friend or associate was going to hell? I would not, and I do not, even though I do believe.

Apparently, you have the right to teach hatred. I thank God each day I do not have to listen to it.
- Gary, Stratham, NH

The lack of moral principles and the failure to veto are true disappointments.

This NH voter will not support Gov. Lynch or others who voted to pass this bill.
- Laurie, Londonderry

Way to go Gov.!

Why not let Gays have the right to marry and be unhappy just like the rest of us?

It's not a big deal everyone. Gay Marriage is the way to go NH!
- Phil, Concord, NH

I will be very proud of Gov. lynch when he does the right thing and signs this bill into law!
- James, Derry

Thank you governor Lynch for heading in the right direction. We need to stop living in the past and move into the future.

Think about how much money is going into the ecnomy with the increase in gay marriage?!

Just think about all the money that goes into a wedding...

For the people that hate and aren't open minded, grow up. Just mind your own business. Gay couples are not hurting you.
- Shelly, NH

The only thing we can do is make these elected 'representatives' pay in 2010 and bring real change to NH.

They don't represent us - they represent the well-funded radical homosexuals and other special interests.
- Tom, Campton

Gotta wonder how many die hard UL readers who are posting like crazy against this bill voted for Lynch in the first place. Frankly, I don't think he loses any votes on this...so you might want save your rant key strokes for another time.
- Cathy, Derry

Live and let live in the Live Free or Die state.
- fort, manchester, nh

Disgraceful! Marriage is no longer sacred. It's a joke in New Hampshire. What's next - people marrying their pets or televisions/cars?
- Jean, Concord

Excellent! Here's to being one of the first states in the nation to right this injustice.

To those who are still opposed, please remember that this doesn't affect you, your marriage, or your family in any way, and in this country, you don't get to deprive other people of their pursuit of happiness because it doesn't fit your personal religious beliefs.

This is not a difficult issue. This is an easy issue. The only people affected are the ones whose rights are in question; it's a no-brainer. There is a clear right and a clear wrong here, and New Hampshire is about to do the right thing.

Days like the one today is shaping up to be make me proud to be a New Hampshirite. Live Free or Die.
- Doug, Manchester

So disappointed in Gov. Lynch and all the other Dem. & Rep. in the Senate and House who voted to allow same sex marriage.
- Donat, Claremont, NH

Much ado about nothing

Live and let live

Everyone deserves to be happy
- Frank, Dover nh

Good for you Gov. Lynch.

So it seems people are now upset that they may be forced to provide goods or services to a gay married couple?!??
How do gay people get goods and services now?

Furthermore, do Christian business owners not provide goods & services to divorced people? That’s against their beliefs as well. I think I know the answer to that question and I think it makes them either bigots or hypocrites – not good Christians.
- Scott, Bedford

Thanks you Mr. Lynch, for standing up for the minority. Obviously from the posts here, nobody else would have. Sign it!!! You will have my vote from this day forward.
- William, Manch

I am disappointed in you Govenor lynch
that you did not veto this bill.
If you believe that marriage should be 1 man 1 woman why didnt you stand your ground, how much money was at stake ????
- Steve T., milford

He won office on his beliefs and now he is just trying to get more votes and bow to the minority. He lost my vote.
- Jason, Windham

The Governor is using these minor changes as an excuse to back away from is original stand against gay marriage. Absolutely spineless!
- Brandy, Manchester