New Hampshire lawmakers unexpectedly rejected a bill on Wednesday that would have made the state the sixth in the United States to authorize gay marriage.
The state's Democrat-controlled House of Representatives voted down the bill in a 188-186 vote, hours after its Senate approved the legislation 14-10 along party lines. An earlier version of the bill passed the lower chamber on March 26.
The legislature had been asked to approve language that would give legal protections, including the right to decline to marry same-sex couples, to clergy and others affiliated with religious organizations.
The state's Democrat-controlled House of Representatives voted down the bill in a 188-186 vote, hours after its Senate approved the legislation 14-10 along party lines. An earlier version of the bill passed the lower chamber on March 26.
The legislature had been asked to approve language that would give legal protections, including the right to decline to marry same-sex couples, to clergy and others affiliated with religious organizations.
Im having trouble reconsiling the blog title with the posT? cAn SoMeOnE iLLuMiNatE mE?
Posted by: Shame and Dishonour | May 20, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Basically part of the law was allowing religious institutions to decline marrying same sex couples and other legal protection to religious organizations.
Because that wording was in the bill, it did not pass. In other words until there is zero protection for religious freedom they will not pass the bill. And the governor will not pass the bill until there is protection for religious organizations. So it's basically a stand off at this point.
I had to read the original Reuters article myself since I was confused to :) Just click on the Reuters link and hopefully that should clear things up.
Posted by: Rick | May 20, 2009 at 03:33 PM
to = too
in my previous post :)
Posted by: Rick | May 20, 2009 at 03:34 PM
Ah! Very good. thankyou!
Posted by: Shame and Dishonour | May 20, 2009 at 03:38 PM
I've got an idea! Let's force religious folk to officiate wedding ceremonies for homosexuals. Now that's tolerance!
You know what heterosexuals do if a minister turns them down? They find another man to perform the ceremony... or Elvis...
Posted by: Jesse | May 20, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Shouldn’t the legislation be more concerned about providing separate gay and straight restroom facilities and locker rooms?
How would you like being in the military or High School gym class being ogled by the people next to you, with full approval of the system?
If this stuff becomes common place, they need to pay for it and have separate gay and straight facilities at every level.
Or at least have restroom signs read "Butch Lesbians-Straight Guys" or Gay Men-Hetero Women" etc.
Posted by: Pro Life | May 21, 2009 at 03:47 AM