The Daily Background

Well, looky here. Two days after I email Governor Lynch back home in New Hampshire, urging him to the upcoming support marriage equality for all New Hampshirites bill (click here to see my email), this happens:

CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch released the following statement today regarding same-sex legislation in New Hampshire:
[…]
“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.

In other words, as long as the state legislature alters its wording on the gay marriage bill to also include protections for religious institutions, he’ll sign the bill granting gay and lesbian NHers equal rights (as far as the state is concerned). Good. Background on the matter:

[I]n the most recent UNH Survey Center poll, more than half - 55% - of state residents were in favor of gay marriage, while 39% opposed it.
[…]
If Lynch signs the bill, NH would become the sixth state to make gay marriage legal, following CT, MA, ME, VT and IA. The NY assembly passed a bill to legalize gay marriage 5/12, but reports indicate it will face a tough battle in the state Senate.

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