NH Gov Says He Will Sign Marriage Bill

> the Governor's statement, from his website:
>
> http://www.governor.nh.gov/news/2009/051409same.html
>
>
> "The gay marriage debate in New Hampshire has been filled with passion
> and emotion on all sides.
>
> "My personal views on the subject of marriage have been shaped by my
> own experience, tradition and upbringing. But as Governor of New
> Hampshire, I recognize that I have a responsibility to consider this
> issue through a broader lens.
>
> "In the past weeks and months, I have spoken with lawmakers, religious
> leaders and citizens. My office has received thousands of phone calls,
> letters and emails. I have studied our current marriage and civil
> union laws, the laws of other states, the bills recently passed by the
> legislature and our history and traditions.
>
> "Two years ago, we passed civil unions legislation here in New
> Hampshire. That law gave same-sex couples in civil unions the same
> rights and protections as marriage. And in typical New Hampshire
> fashion, the people of this state embraced civil unions and agreed we
> needed to continue our tradition of opposing discrimination.
>
> "At its core, HB 436 simply changes the term 'civil union' to 'civil
> marriage.' Given the cultural, historical and religious significance
> of the word marriage, this is a meaningful change.
>
> "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.
>
> "I have also heard, and I understand, the concerns of our citizens who
> have equally deep feelings and genuine religious beliefs about
> marriage. They fear that this legislation would interfere with the
> ability of religious groups to freely practice their faiths.
>
> "Throughout history, our society's views of civil rights have
> constantly evolved and expanded. New Hampshire's great tradition has
> always been to come down on the side of individual liberties and
> protections.
>
> "That is what I believe we must do today.
>
> "But following that tradition means we must act to protect both the
> liberty of same-sex couples and religious liberty. In their current
> form, I do not believe these bills accomplish those goals.
>
> "The Legislature took an important step by clearly differentiating
> between civil and religious marriage, and protecting religious groups
> from having to participate in marriage ceremonies that violate their
> fundamental religious beliefs.
>
> "But the role of marriage in many faiths extends beyond the actual
> marriage ceremony.
>
> "I have examined the laws of other states, including Vermont and
> Connecticut, which have recently passed same-sex marriage laws. Both
> go further in protecting religious institutions than the current New
> Hampshire legislation.
>
> "This morning, I met with House and Senate leaders, and the sponsors
> of this legislation, and gave them language that will provide
> additional protections to religious institutions.
>
> "This new language will provide the strongest and clearest protections
> for religious institutions and associations, and for the individuals
> working with such institutions.
> It will make clear that they cannot be forced to act in ways that
> violate their deeply held religious principles.
>
> "If the legislature passes this language, I will sign the same-sex
> marriage bill into law. If the legislature doesn't pass these
> provisions, I will veto it.
>
> "We can and must treat both same-sex couples and people of certain
> religious traditions with respect and dignity.
>
> "I believe this proposed language will accomplish both of these goals
> and I urge the legislature to pass it.