Compromise reached on NH gay marriage bill

[JackBeck]

CONCORD, N.H.—House and Senate negotiators on Friday agreed to add one sentence and change one word in a bill that will determine whether the state allows gay marriage.

Both chambers have approved bills to legalize same-sex marriage, but Gov. John Lynch later demanded additional language to make it clear that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate at gay marriages or to provide services, facilities and goods of any kind to participants.

The Senate passed legislation to satisfy Lynch, but the House narrowly rejected it last week. The compromise reached Friday barely changes it.

The new version, which is expected to come up for a vote Wednesday, 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. The earlier version said "charitable and educational" instead of "charitable or educational."

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2009/05/29/compromise_reached_on_nh_gay_marriage_bill/

Will New Hampshire be the 6th state to approve marriage equality? Something exciting to look forward to next week, especially since it might happen during Pride month.

[konnichi wa]

1. I think (and hope) they will approve it next week!

:kick:

[Bluebear]

2. hurry up, already, I wanna get hitched!

[jonnyblitz]

6. you want your pony!1 nt

[NMMNG]

3. I hope this passes

:bounce:

[ShadowLiberal]

4. Great, wish they could vote on it even sooner

Thanks for posting the story.

Imagine how the GOP's heads will explode at the first two states to vote for president in the primaries both having gay marriage legalized in 2012.

[SoxFan]

8. volunteer legislature

The NH legislature is effectively a volunteer gig ($100/year, plus a small mileage per diem). The full House usually only meets one day each week.

[Rhythm]

5. Lets hope for some good news, after the shit week we had last week...

The way things are going, it looks like i'm going to have to learn to like shoveling snow (or running from tornadoes) if i ever want to legally get hitched. *L*

[jonnyblitz]

7. it's not so bad up here!

:hi:

[elshiva]

9. Hope this goes through.

[pinto]

10. A good compromise, save for the insurance exemptions.

:hi: