Gay marriage gets another chance in NH (AP)

[struggle4progress]

Associated Press - June 1, 2009 3:25 PM ET

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The House and Senate vote Wednesday on compromise language to strengthen protections for churches, their employees and religious groups that object to gay marriage.

Gov. John Lynch demanded the protections to get his signature on legislation that would make New Hampshire the sixth state to allow gays to marry.

The House rejected language Lynch proposed by two votes last month. The compromise adds a sentence specifying that all religious organizations, associations or societies have exclusive control over their religious doctrines, policies, teachings and beliefs on marriage.

It also clarifies that church-related organizations that serve charitable or educational purposes are exempt from having to provide insurance and other benefits to same sex spouses of employees.

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10457872

[struggle4progress]

1. NH Governor Lynch Says Demands Appear Met on Marriage Equality

New Hampshire Governor John Lynch told WMUR that the requested changes he made to a marriage equality bill in the state appear to be met ... http://www.towleroad.com/2009/06/nh-governor-lynch-says-demand-appear-met-on-marriage-equality.html

[BroccoliTowel]

2. I thought

I thought it was already legalized there

[BartlettDem]

3. It Is

For now. This thread was started in 2009 when the law was passed by 1 vote. This winter the NH House will most likely vote on a bill to repeal the law and go back to 'civil unions' for any future marriages. At a 'town hall' meeting the other night a State Rep told us he believes government shouldn't be in the 'business' of marriage and he's drawing the line at straight marriage and wants to get the government out of the gay marriage 'business'. Of course he won't pull the state out of the marriage business. Another said 'Its just a word, its no big deal' but its his word so again he wouldn't take the state out of the 'business' of straight marriage.