NH panel to vote on gay marriage repeal bill

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2011/10/24/nh_panel_to_vote_on_gay_marriage_repeal_bill/

CONCORD, N.H.—A House panel votes Tuesday whether to recommend repealing New Hampshire's gay marriage law and replacing it with civil unions for any unmarried adults including relatives.

The Judiciary Committee will consider a subcommittee recommendation that the House pass the bill repealing the law that took effect last year legalizing same-sex unions. It also would establish civil unions for any unmarried adults competent to enter into a contract.

Opponents say the bill doesn't replace gay marriage with the civil unions law in effect before gays were allowed to marry. They say it takes the state back to a time before civil unions for gays.

State Rep. David Bates, the bill's sponsor, says there is no reason to limit civil unions and the legal protections they provide solely to same-sex couples.