CNN

[...] So, we got a statement from the governor, saying he'll sign the bill! [...]

Aaron Seattle May 14th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

Phoenix: You really need to update your understanding on sodomy laws bucko.
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Aaron – don't bother – I look for Phoenix's posts for amusement purposes only – they are kinda funny and sad at the same time.

NH gov does say what his "language" is that he wants changed. It is a separation of church/state. ALL so called marriages should be changed to civil unions. If people want the blessing/sacrament of marriage added to their civil status let them seek that through their church.

Another nail in the GOP coffin. Sounds like the Governor is trying to keep his job. It's sad, really. Even when one of them says "yes" it turns into a big "NO" for the Party. RIP GOP.

HIS ... terms ...

F - CK HIM ...

Hurrible! why are our elected officials pushing the course of moral decadence too far!

What is the "new language" Gov. Jon Lynch wants to see?

This is pretty empty reporting – I would hope for a little more substance with a headline like that.

This is a very positive step towards establishing full Civil Rights for every individual in the nation. I applaud Gov. Lynch for supporting the bill and hope that the other 44 states follow suit shortly after. I am proud to live in a nation that was based on supporting individual liberty! God bless the USA!

It is people like Eric in NJ that make this debate over same-sex marriage so hateful and complicated. Whether you are religious or not, the entire concept surrounding it is tolerance of others' beliefs. So by saying that someone's religious beliefs are wrong, you are just as dispicable as a discriminatory homophobe.

Thank you New Hampshire. Another state in the common sense column. Churches will not have to perform same sex weddings unless they wish to. Marriage will not be devalued (never heard a reason explanation why this could possibly be true anyway).

Religious conservatives can scream all they want, but they can't prove that the sky has fallen in Massachusetts where same-sex marriage has been available for five years. For most people it's a non issue. Let's keep it that way.

I can care less if gays want to unite and have the same benefits as straight people. My problem is don't take a right away from one group and give it to another. That is not America. Christians believe that marriage is between a man and a women so why not let them just have that whether you believe it or not. Give the gays something else. I mean they are suppose to be creative people, why do they have to steal from a religious group who basically started marriage? Makes no sense. No sex, religion, nationality, race, etc. should ever have their tradition taken away EVER. I don't care who agrees with it or not.

I can't wait to marry my fiance and her girlfriend. They are hot.

Every state that has the freedom to vote rejected gay marriage, which
is, in fact, a form of pluralism. Boss-driven states in the northeast
fear direct democracy , and, therefore, the activist-militants buy the
votes of cloak-room politicians. What else is new?

Isn't it John Lynch, not Jon.

I don't know NH law, so I cannot judge whether language protecting the religious institutions in that state is or is not necessary.

Of course, no church or religious organization should ever be forced to perform or honor (in the spiritual, not civil, sense) a marriage that violates their teachings and beliefs.

The marriage that we are talking about is civil marriage, the kind that states care about. In that sense of the word, discrimination against one group of consenting adults violates American principles, and needs to be corrected.

Go ahead and give the religious institutions all those protections they want as long as I can marry anyone I want and get the SAME rights as a heterosexual couple!

Religious institutions have cast gays as outcasts since the beginning, who needs a RELIGIOUS marriage ceremony anyway....just give me a 'civil' marriage ceremony.

After the bill is signed by this governor a funny thing will happen. Babies will continue to be born. Straight people will still be just as married as they were before he signed the bill. My brother, mother, and father will still be the same.

In case anybody forgot basic biology human being are animals., in fact they are classified as mammals. And too won't change after the signing.

The one thing that will change is that EVERYONE will be a bit more equal under the eyes of that state law. The government will have become a bit less intrusive into those people's lives just as the Republicans stated was one of their planks.

I don't care either way, I don't think any of you guys should either, it's none of our business.

Right on New Hampshire!! Lets keep this momentum going.
And I think what he means by the language "protecting gays as well as religious institutions" is probably something along the lines of allowing gays to marry, but giving churches the freedom not to perform same-sex marriages if it conflicts with it's doctrine on homosexuality.

Hopefully AZ will follow suit soon, as New England is realizing, it doesn't matter how most people think. It is discrimination to refuse marriage to homosexuals. At one time, the majority of the population thought it was perfectly OK to own slaves, as well as prohibit inter-racial marriage, and that didn't make those practices "OK".

First let me say that Huston4567 is way out of line to suggest that same-sex orientation makes people animals.

As for Gov. Lynch's position, it is a needless diversion from doing what is right. No same-sex legislation in the country would require any religious institution to perform same-sex ceremonies, nor could they, given the First Amendment protections. There is no language needed to protect religious institutions when the Constitution already provides that protection.

On the other hand, if the added language would only re-iterate what is already constitutionally protected, it does no harm to add it. If that's what it takes to get Lynch to sign it, the legislature should add a clause making it clear that no religious institutions would have to perform such ceremonies and get it to his desk with all due haste. Challenge him to be a man of his word and see what happens.

Wow could the extremist right wing religious groups be down on cash? They have used their tax exempt status for decades to buy elections of hate and ignorance – just last year the Mormon church bought several elections to dehumanize and discriminate against gays. I guess we will see their unlimited money and power next year to force their religious beliefs on the rest of America as usual – so you few gays that are enjoying being free humans that are equal citizens beware – big hate money is just around the corner.

I don't care if the law is going to be passed or not- but Lynch is a hypercrite due to his being against same sex marriage a couple of years ago. I guess he wants to be sure that he is on the democrat bandwagon!

All should be made legal Polygamy, inordinate affections, anything that questions the morals of human relationships, rights and peers. It is not fair to accept the rights of one and not the other. First Cousin should be allowed to marry. So should brother and sister. Why do gays and lesbian only get the right to marry? The legal to marry should be changed to sixteen to protect teenage parents and their rights to have children. The legal drinking age should be eighteen years to protect the rights of minors. Why should gay and lesbian only have rights?

Thank God for the confederate states, holykow.

Our nation is clearly being flushed down the toilet of sin. Hope you enjoy the Tribulation.

Hey Steel – Lynch is a democrat. I guess it's about time we get a new governor and legislature in New Hampshire. This is something the peopld should vote on. They don't let the people of New Hampshire vote on anything. Wait until the next vote.

Allowing "religious institutions" (whatever that means) to discriminate? Religious institutions have historically tried to discriminate against Americans of color and women, but were ultimately not permitted to by law. Why permit bigotry in this case governor?

Also, any morons talking about sodomy laws. There are no such things in the United States of America anymore.

The Supreme Court decided that the government has no business peering into your bedroom. The handful of states that still had sodomy laws had those laws rendered null and void. Look out, the future of freedom and equality is on it's way

WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to all of the gay and lesbian families in New Hampshire that will no longer be hurtfully shut out of the rights, responsibilities, protections and dignity of marriage.

Their families and their children will be much stronger because of this and so will the great state of New Hampshire. New York and New Jersey next!!!!!

Proud Member..Party of No May 14th, 2009 5:24 pm ET

Another governor that needs to be voted out…….passing laws despite what the people want.
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So by your logic, Mr. No, I would have to assume your tag makes you a complete hypocrite. Because when republicans vote against Obama's plans, they are voting against what the majority of americans are wanting. Right?

Oh yea, that's right. You people live in a vacuum (although the vacuum hasn't been invented in your mind yet, the earth is 6000 years old, it's flat and the sun revolves around us).

What are you talking about.. the governor of New Hampshire is not a Republican.. LOL you all are soo smart!

And so the United States continues its trek downhill, just like the Roman Empire, and for pretty much the same reasons.

ihave nothing against the gay community but i do not agree with them. its nice thatNH has signed the law but the bible still states that its wrong.p.s. 4 the person who wrote that Jesus did not exest, HE DID EINSTEIN!!! anyone can prove it to you!!!

The arc of history is long but it bends toward justice.

Eric in NJ May 14th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

I am amazed that the religious people in this country still feel they have a right to dictate the laws in this country. If you want to be part of this country and be involved in the lawmaking, then start paying taxes. End of story. This is not a Christian country, this a country free of religious persecution, and that is exactly what the religious nuts in the country are doing to gays. Well I've had it. It's time for all you religious people to grow up and realized that your religion is a made up fairytale and all the rules and laws associated with it were made up by men. You have no right to base your arguments on fiction. Jesus never exsisted and even if he did, he never said one bad thing about gays
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Ok, thats it, out of the gene pool. We don't need such idiocy being spread around.

I left my membership to Evangelical Christianity, because it has failed to follow the true teaching of Jesus! Jesus NEVER wanted his words to be used to condemn people. Jesus only condemned one group of people: the Pharisees! Evangelicals are Pharisees! The pick and choose scriptures out of context to create their doctrines. I know, because I was trained in fundamentalist theology, where the common belief/practice is that it's okay to take scripture out of context and use it.

Evanglical Christians have become mean-spirited bigots. It's really sad!

dicksuckers and carpetmunchers need to be done away with. Or if allowed to exist should not be allowed to have anything to do with children. Our children should not be taught that such a lifestyle choice is ok.

Marriage= Man and woman only.

Yo Steel,
Lynch is a Demo, not a Republican.

Jon Lynch is a Democrat... I think more and more Americans are beginning to realize that one of the next national rights campaigns will be that of same-sex couples.

this is for eric – did you know there is more physical evidence to support the existence of jesus than napolean bonaparte? I too believe it is not the right of any religion to dominate the lives of American citizens, but whether or not you agree with Christianity, I'm sure you can appreciate that there are some within its ranks who actually follow Christ's mandate to "live in peace with others, as far as possible."

A few clarifications – (A) Sodomy laws were struck down by the Supreme Court awhile ago...(B) This country is FINALLY moving forward in what it preaches to the rest of the world....(C) Today the Wisconsin Supreme Court agreed to hear a case challenging it voter backed amendment.......Face the fact folks America have finally stopped buying the Republican scare tactics of the past and have decided together we are a better people.....gay straight black white male female we are all one....and to finish! YES WE CAN!!!!!!

What the fundies don't seem to realize is that in their fervor to score a victory by inserting their religious beliefs into our secular government, they will inadvertantly suffer a massive defeat by opening the door for our secular government to insert itself into their religion.

NEVER THE 'TWAIN SHALL MEET...LEST WE ALL LOSE.

Geeesh...don't support this Governor's superficial support of gay marriage until you've read what his caveat is. He's probably trying to make sure it's "separate but equal" like I said below. Don't be fooled.

HolyKow May 14th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

So far every state that has approved granting civil rights that should have never been denied (in this case, same sex marriage) has not exploded or fallen off into the sea, or imploded into a singularity that enveloped the entire universe.
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Actually there was an article about that in how Mass. no longer see's it as a big deal, except of course the right-wing religious nut jobs. All the warnings about the sky falling are still there, but they amended that to say that it's still happening...just moving at a slower pace than excepted. ... LOL.. I mean REALLy!

I am sick of all the gay bull-crap. Your freedoms my backside. Should I have the right to marry 2 or 3 different people because it's equality? No. Marriage is one man, one woman, not 2 men or two women or 3 men and 6 women.

Houston4567 May 14th, 2009 5:50 pm ET

Let us not worry about any thing. we should be like animals. who cres about father mother brother sister. let us have sex any way we want who needs to regulate what as long as you are happy being animals is what we deserve
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Hmmm..you must be an ape as you are obviously lacking any real intelligence.

phoenix86 May 14th, 2009 4:40 pm ET

Another state goes gay. The next National Govenors meeting will need to take place in a state without sodomy laws.
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You're a moron. Like gays or not, they deserve the same rights as you do. I agree that religious institutions should have verbaige protecting them from formally recognizing gay marriage (as in performing them..after all marriage is a civil right)...it's their right to do so.

I'm even an aethiest but my views shouldn't be forced on others just like the church needs to keeps it's views out of our government and the daily lives of all Americans, LIKE ME, who do not share their beliefs...that's what living in a FREE country is supposed to be about.

@ Phoenix86........ I am going to say a prayer for you, you poor soul! Your comments are either mean or just lies taken from 'Faux News' & AM radio. Please take care of what you say, there is karma....... and what goes around comes around.

Even though I am a liberal, I would prefer if Civil Unions were enough for the LGBT community.

Please someone explain why, it must be ........ marriage? And why a Civil Union is not enough? Thanks.

Jon Lynch suffers from the same delusion as most opponents of same sex marraige in assuming marraige is a religious ceremony.
The "law" will require a "license" . Any ceremony is for the "witnessing of a contract".
Churches have always been free to say no to marrying even straight couples because theirs is a "ceremonial ritual" with no "governmental regulation."
How dificult is this to follow? This should not even be an issue in the U.S. -we require equal rights for all citizens.

Unfortunately, as this post so clearly illustrates, so many of the right wing bigots are uneducated and ignorant. You should learn how to write a proper sentence before you take up the issue of gay marriage, as this seems way above your comprehension level.

Hey NH Legislature:

I say LET your governor go ahead and veto the bill.

LET him soil himself in front of the entire nation!!!

Then YOU ALL override his veto and let the world know [a] due process is the right of EVERYONE in this country, and [b] we've had enough religious intrusion in our lives in this country to choke a horse! Enough is ENOUGH!

Goodie, goodie, goodie! So, when can I marry my goat?

Houston, no one should regulate who has sex with who. And if you could progress past primal urges, it is not about sex, it is about love. Something you are plainly devoid of in your life.

Sad.

HK

Let us not worry about any thing. we should be like animals. who cres about father mother brother sister. let us have sex any way we want who needs to regulate what as long as you are happy being animals is what we deserve

WOW...a Republican governor signing a same sex marriage bill.
Congrats to New Hampshire...Don't Tread On Them!

What's going on in Rhode Island?

I am amazed that the religious people in this country still feel they have a right to dictate the laws in this country. If you want to be part of this country and be involved in the lawmaking, then start paying taxes. End of story. This is not a Christian country, this a country free of religious persecution, and that is exactly what the religious nuts in the country are doing to gays. Well I've had it. It's time for all you religious people to grow up and realized that your religion is a made up fairytale and all the rules and laws associated with it were made up by men. You have no right to base your arguments on fiction. Jesus never exsisted and even if he did, he never said one bad thing about gays.

[...] NH gov. offers to sign same-sex marriage into law [...]

So far every state that has approved granting civil rights that should have never been denied (in this case, same sex marriage) has not exploded or fallen off into the sea, or imploded into a singularity that enveloped the entire universe.

We the people did not mean we the hetro-white-male-landowner. It has taken us well over 200 years to get that thru some peoples' head. It means everyone deserves to be able to secure the blessings of liberty, posterity and justice.

We are stronger as a nation because of our inclusion of all peoples, no matter the color of their skin, the religion they choose or who the choose to spend their short time on this earth with.

Now if the Bible Thumpers (I'm talking to you confederate states!) could just get the separation of church and state thing straight, we could make some real progress!

HK

Legally "marriage" is a contract sanctioned by the government between two people allowing for mutual risk management and shared property. It's sexually discriminatory to allow one person to enter into this agreement but not another, based solely on who they find attractive or the shape of their bodies (and when was the last time a court clerk, much less a clergyperson, actually checked?). It's comparable to requiring both parties involved in a title transfer to have the same eye color. If a church wants to withhold a certain blessing or religious status for a relationship, so be it, but laws pronouncing the "sanctity" of marriage (as in "sacredness") are unconstitutional. The government shouldn't be involved in sacredness. The solution? EVERYBODY gets a civil union regardless of gender, and governments get out of the marriage business entirely and leave "marriage" to the churches. A win-win situation.

"I have heard, and I understand, the very real feelings of same-sex couples that a separate system is not an equal system. That a civil law that differentiates between their committed relationships and those of heterosexual couples undermines both their dignity and the legitimacy of their families."
At least Gov. Lynch had the courage to listen and make effort to understand what treated people "equal" means!

Phoenix: You really need to update your understanding on sodomy laws bucko.

Good job NH! Last up to bat in New England is Rhode Island. When is WA going to pass same-sex marriage? "Everything but Marriage" bill which just passed is utter nonsense.

Sounds like BLACKMAIL from the Governoe to me.

Gay marriage via civil unions and hetro marriages via "the religion of your choice". Now that is fair and protects both parties rights.
Probelm solved, now if the religious right will let us, let's move on to really important governmental issues like the economy, jobs, global warming, energy independance, education reform, health care, etc. etc.

Francisco – why is it whenever Jesus is brought into the discussion, people always mention how he associated with sinners and social outcasts, demonstrated love to them etc (which is all true..). But, finish your thought with the rest of the story for those who haven't read it for themselves. He also ended those contacts with some version of pointing out the sin and sending them on their way with the admonition to "go and sin no more". Having said that, I hope there is some protection for me hidden somewhere in the latest "hate crime" bill for offering a different viewpoint than Paris Hilton...

To all you fools that are talking smack about sodomy laws, what you don't do your wife like that? and you can't if you lie and say you don't either? We all know the truth.

This country is based on freedom of speech, religions, human rights, persecution etc.

Are you people wanting to go back into the stone ages?

GREAT NEWS New Hampshire! MOVE FORWARD!

Another governor that needs to be voted out.......passing laws despite what the people want.

I am just amazed at all these religious right-wingers.

I wonder how many would support a law stating:

Marriage: one man, one woman, one time. ie NO DIVORCE and certainly no remarriage.

Seems like support is evaporating faster than RUSH can pop oxycodone!!!!

America has a history of accepting the minority; it's nice to see New Hampshire following suit

PATHETIC!!!!!!!

What is the language? What kind of reporting is this?

phoenix86....sodomy laws were struck down by the US Supreme Court years go, you might want to research before just stating the obvious. I applaud the governor for attempting to preserve a religious leader from being forced to recognize a marriage recognized by the civil authorities.....Marriage after all should be left to civil authorities and not religious authorities to preserve separation of church and state.

FYI – sodomy laws were stricken down by the U.S. Supreme Court. No state, even if they had sodomy laws on the books, could enforce them.

Also, just because a state legislature approves gay marriage equality, does not mean the state has "gone gay." Your comments are wholly juvenile and even your sarcasm is out of date.

@ Phoenix86 – You do realize the Supreme Court struck down all sodomy laws in the 2003 case Lawrence Vs. Texas.

It is a shame that churches need to be protected because it is assumed that they will discriminate against gays and lesbians. I am not gay, but I do know that Jesus associated with the "sinners and the tax collectors" and modern day churches have totally forgotten his example.

I still don't understand that in a country that prides itself on the separation of church and state that there are ANY laws governing marriage? It is 'in the sight of God!' It is a RELIGIOUS institution! It is unconstitutional to pass any law banning gay marriage, just as much as the state has no right to pass a law requiring me or my Church to recognize gay marriage! Leave it in the hands of God, where it belongs!

This is true to Republican Ideals – Smaller Government!

The government has no business in the bedrooms of the nation.

More like another state votes for freedom and equality. I commend the governor for trying to find some common ground among the two sides of this issue and have hope that people who think like phoenix86 are a dying breed. We need to stop all the hating (which is unnatural, it must be taught) in this country.

Good For NH....Way to lead the Way New England States. Soon NY will follow suit. I just Hope California and my state of Washington will follow suit. Love is Love and Love is Blind. Love between two men and two women should be upheld just like love and marriage between a man and a woman. Love knowes no sex, race or religious affiliation.

leave them aone

That seems like a very fair trade. It gives rights to gays, and keeps religious rights as well. A Smart Governor indeed.

Congrats on Marriage Equality, NH! Looking forward to having it here in NY in the very near future.

Proud to live in the Northeast!

Practical solutions in action. Way to go Governor Lynch!

why do I all of a sudden l want to eat a fudge cookie

Hey Phoeniz86,

It should be fairly easy for the governors to meet in a state without sodomy laws; that would be EVERY state (Lawrence v. Texas, 2003).

WHAT IS THE PROPOSED LANGUAGE? How can you consider yourself as having done your job of informing the public if you don't provide the language at issue? How can any of us have any opinion one way or the other about it without the actual verbiage?

Assuming he's doing what I think he's doing, though: "separate but equal" died a LONG time ago. If he is proposing "marriage" for some and "civil unions" for others, he's implicitly admitting that the word "marriage" would make this a law in violation of the First Amendment of the US Constitution by being a law ""respecting an establishment of religion." By making this move, he actually makes the case for calling all unions recognized by SECULAR LAW to be termed "civil unions"...which is of course something that the fundies don't want because they want our laws to codify their self-proclaimed moral superiority.

NEXT

About bloody TIME!

Actually, there were all overturned years ago. The United States Supreme Court found a Texas couple had been discriminated against when police barged into their home and arrested them for having sex and ruled against the State of Texas and struck it down.
Read more at:
http://www.lambdalegal.org/in-court/cases/lawrence-v-texas.html

What on EARTH do religious institutions need "protection" from?? They're already protected to the extent that they don't even have to pay taxes... yet they expect to be allowed the power to dictate how others should live. Ridiculous.

Good for them in NH! Not a bad provision, actually. Protecting the religious institutions rights while at the same time providing equality to homosexual couples, excellent work

5 down and 49 to go! Way to go NH! The door is open...and soon it will be WIDE open...

A Great country going into the toilet, SICK in the head

Freedom marches on.

phoenix86 May 14th, 2009 4:40 pm ET
Another state goes gay. The next National Govenors meeting will need to take place in a state without sodomy laws.
+++++++++++++++++++
Ah the sounds of spring, idiots from the right make twittering noises and wring their homophobic hands at the thought of gay people having rights.

I do agree with Gov Lynch's views and stance on same sex couples, if we cant protect same sex couples and the religous groups then why pass the measure. I as a gay man would love to see gay marriage passed across the country in every state

Scott (Freeport, Il)

Another state goes gay. The next National Govenors meeting will need to take place in a state without sodomy laws.