Earlier today, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch said he will sign legislation legalizing civil unions in the state. Lynch explained, ”I believe it is a matter of conscience, fairness and preventing discrimination.” The measure hasn’t yet cleared the Senate, but is expected to do so with ease. Even so—surprise!—state Republicans were outraged. Fergus Cullen, the state Republican Party chairman, told the AP, “The Democrats are going too far, too fast, and Governor Lynch is going along with them. These are not the actions of a moderate governor.” The Dems had a pretty handy comeback: ”It’s never going too far when you give people their rights,” said Democratic state Rep. Bette Lasky.
New Hampshire will make a New England trifecta, joining Connecticut, Vermont and New Jersey among states with legal civil unions. Massachusetts, of course, has legalized gay marriage.
For an economic defense of gay marriage, click here. For an explanation of why the religious right is hellbent on opposing it, click here.
