1 of 2 bills would have changed Constitution.
Read some of the comments there.






By SHIRA SCHOENBERG
Monitor staff






Gay marriage will remain the law in New Hampshire, after legislators yesterday rejected two bills that would have repealed it.

The New Hampshire House rejected a constitutional amendment that would have defined marriage as between one man and one woman by a vote of 201-135. It then rejected a bill to repeal gay marriage, 210-109.

At times, the debate on the House floor turned personal.

"Over four years ago, I met a man who I fell deeply in love with," said state Rep. Robert Thompson, a Manchester Democrat who was married Jan. 2, a day after the state's gay marriage law went into effect. "I must ask each of you, how has my marriage impacted on your marriage, or diminished the value of your marriage?"

Both bills garnered passionate public testimony, and the House Judiciary Committee had voted 12-8 against each one.

State Rep. Al Baldasaro, a Londonderry Republican, sponsored the repeal bill. Baldasaro testified yesterday that he is Italian and had family members married to African-Americans.

"When it comes to civil rights, a live person can't change the color of their skin, but a homosexual can change their sexual preference at any time," Baldasaro said, drawing boos from other legislators and causing some Democrats to walk out of the chamber.

The debate fell largely along party lines, with Republicans supporting repeal and Democrats opposing it.

John Cebrowski, a Bedford Republican, talked about his granddaughter, who loves to dress up as a princess, and his grandson, who acts like Darth Vader.

"This fantasy, flights of imagination, is fun with children," Cebrowski said. "But we're talking about adults. The vast majority out there knows that marriage is between a man and a woman. To engage in this flight of fancy, of imagination, this make-believe with adults is downright cruel."

Jordan Ulery, a Hudson Republican, said "natural law" defines marriage as a relationship that is "essentially for procreation."

"You can't make peanut butter and jelly only with peanut butter," Ulery said. "A potato is not a turnip. You can't create a family with two of the same gender. That is natural law."

Thompson countered that marriage is a "stable bond between two individuals who work to create love in a household." Thompson said the right to marriage is part of the constitutional right to the pursuit of happiness.

Procreation, he said, is not a prerequisite for marriage.

"Some couples are unable to bear children due to age, or a medical condition," Thompson said. "Do we say we can't have marriages of couples unable or unwilling to have children? Same-gender couples don't diminish, devalue or dilute interest in procreation and don't discourage opposite-gender couples from getting married or having children."


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Hang 'Em High!
By hummasbtahini on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 11:04
You folks seem to love to talk about "hanging" people, for some reason.
Your fellow ideologue Dianne Capps, a Tea Party (this is not a surprise) speaker, called for the "hanging" of Patty Murray, a Democratic Senator from Washington, recently.
So, just to humor me, what would a Republican President be doing in this sutation?
Say something besides "cut taxes for small business", & "freedom", also "personal liberty".
What personal liberties has Pres. Obama taken away from anyone here?
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Is a person's RELIGION an immutable characteristic?
By PolishBear on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 09:58
Al Baldasaro says, "When it comes to civil rights, a live person can't change the color of their skin, but a homosexual can change their sexual preference at any time."

Tell you what: If Mr. Baldasaro says he can change HIS sexual preference at any time, let me know. I'd certainly be more willing to accept his argument if he had any personal experience in this regard.

And even if he was right (and he isn't), by his own logic non-Christians should not be allowed to marry, since he probably thinks they can accept Jesus at any time.

What an idiot.
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To The Gay Poster Crew
By armyvet on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 09:32
This is the main reason I want our citizens on the state and Fed. level want to have a say about any major subject.

"The founding document of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, states that governments derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Today, however, just 21% of voters nationwide believe that the federal government enjoys the consent of the governed.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 61% disagree and say the government does not have the necessary consent. Eighteen percent (18%) of voters are not sure. "

If this poll was done in our state the number of people that disagree with they enjoy the consent of the governed would be very much higher.
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You are actually supporting mob rule in a civil rights issue?!
By Badkey on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 11:14
I'll stick by the tested and true words of some fellow you may have heard of... folks used to call him Thomas:

"A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine." -- Thomas Jefferson

If we followed your logic, we'd still have Jim Crow laws... you do realize that people didn't WANT to treat black folk the same as other citizens don't you? You are aware of US history?

Mob rule is rule destined to fail. YOU are the reason we have SCOTUS with all of it's "activist" judges.

Good day sir.
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Exactly how is allowing Gay
By PolishBear on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 10:58
Exactly how is allowing Gay couples the exact same legal benefits and responsibilities that Straight couples have always taken for granted going to affect "traditional marriage?" Marriage equality for Gay couples will have precisely ZERO impact on your life, your marriage, your church, and your children. Your church will never be forced to marry Gay couples, any more than it is forced to marry non-Christian couples. Public schools will not be forced to "teach" about Gay marriage, any more than they are forced to teach about Straight marriage.

Instead you should ask yourself why law-abiding, taxpaying Gay Americans should be forced to subsidize all the legal benefits and responsibilities that Straight couples enjoy, when we are unable to take advantage of those same incentives to marry? And since when do voters get to decide that the rights that THEY enjoy should NOT be enjoyed by minorities?
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Hey wait a minute!
By Hunter Dan on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 10:50
I'm not a "gay poster" and I'm glad the law was upheld! What does that make me, a "gay-friendly poster?"
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Because like you
By Blackdruid on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 10:14
A scary amount of people would fail a basic HS civics class, they have no idea what Constitutional republic are and think we are a true democracy. You refuse to learn and there are many out there like you, all a danger to our country.

"Thou art God May you always drink deep May you never be thirsty."
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Live Free or Die
By smhwbldg on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 09:26
It's amazing to me that the same people who embrace this quote when fighting against an income tax completely ignore it when gay marriage comes up.
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As George Washington stated clearly....
By newworldrepublican on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 08:17
"As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality" -- GW

Borrowed from a fellow poster....great quote from the greatest President.

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. - George Washington, Farewell Address, September 19, 1796
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Oh, really??
By B.N. on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 08:16
"When it comes to civil rights, a live person can't change the color of their skin, but a homosexual can change their sexual preference at any time," Baldasaro said.

I would assume then that Mr. Baldasaro can change HIS sexual preference at any time, too?
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It's becoming more and more difficult...
By newworldrepublican on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 08:15
To call myself a Republican.

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. - George Washington, Farewell Address, September 19, 1796
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then don't
By LIAMD2 on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 08:22
I do not refer to myself as a Republican anymore and I certainly do not and will not ever refer to myself as a Democrat.
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the legislature is supposed to...
By LIAMD2 on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 07:24
...represent the people. If the people were allowed to vote on gay marriage, it would not pass. It's just another case of our politicians being out-of-touch with their constituents.
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the legislature is supposed to . . .
By KAD on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 09:10
I believe, being a taxpayer of NH, the people and only the people of NH shall have the total right to vote on any bill or law, etc. that affects the people of NH, not the so-called legislature who possibly can be bias.
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You two
By Blackdruid on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 10:17
Please educate yourself on what a constitutional republic is and its purpose for or form of government. You in your ignorance are a bigger danger then a terrorist with a bomb.

"Thou art God May you always drink deep May you never be thirsty."
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Wha....?
By URSUS on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 09:53
You should take a civics course. Ignorance is bliss?
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Mob rule nonsense
By plinx on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 09:35
Sorry, you don't get to vote on my civil rights. My marriage is none of your business; your powerlessness in this matter is pleasing. And no, the voters will NOT turn out the Dems next session. Get over it; you lost. SSM is here to stay.
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SSM has only passed...
By LIAMD2 on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 11:26
...when a far left legislature or far left judges have forced it on the general public. When the public has been allowed to vote, gay marriage has been defeated. My main concern is that our elected officials are ignoring the will of the people and bowing to a small but vocal group.

I'm not sure if you noticed but incumbents are losing elections and/or retiring prematurely. Do you believe this is a coincidence?
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And
By SmarmyVette on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 08:45
If we had mob rule, in addition to repealing civil rights, Dale Earnhardt would be canonized as a saint and Jerry Falwell's ghost would be president. Uneducated people with governmental power is a scary concept!
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One man's sin is another
By Honest Abe on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 07:20
One man's sin is another man's pleasure. Many Republicans voted against these two evil mean-spirited bills and we thank them for their support for equality.
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BARF............
By DIRTY HARRY on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 10:03
More condescending BS from Abe.
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Monitor
By armyvet on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 07:10
How about posting on web site or printing just who voted for and who voted against this sinful bill.
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Yeah ok
By klt919 on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 07:32
Why? So you can condemn them to hell? Honestly, when your on your death bed and looking back and reflecting on your life, do you really think two people in love and getting married will have drastically changed your life?
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NO
By armyvet on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 07:55
No just so I can encourage them not to vote for the ones that the voter disagreed with and vote for the ones again that they agree with. Why are you twisting and turning my post? No it will not change my life whatsoever. Now please answer a simple question. Why are there just 6 states that are for gay marriage? Does that mean the 44 other ones that are against it are non-Americans and hate our country?
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Give it time
By Meow meow on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 09:23
In time all 50 states will allow gay marriage as well as they should.
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6 states allow it
By klt919 on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 08:57
And I am proud to live in one of them! In answer to your question, No, i dont think the other states are non-American, nor do they hate our country. Thats just silly. I do however think that to not want gay marriage is very unfortunate and just shows that there are to many people who are set in their ways and have a holier than thou attitude. To not allow same sex marraige, in my opinion, is foolish. I think those states should put their efforts towards other things, such as intesifying the laws on sexual predators, not restricting the love between two people.
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Yeah
By SmarmyVette on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 08:39
Pretty much
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No to sex discrimination
By devilsAdvocate on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 06:59
This isn't about gay or straight marriage. It's just about civil marriage, a legal contract between two individuals, and the Constitution bars discrimination against individuals because of their sex. The state cannot regulate who can and cannot enter into legal contracts on the basis of sex. Civil marriage must be gender-neutral.
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CREATE A NEW INSTITUTION
By DIRTY HARRY on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 09:58
Male-male and female- female relationships “are not the same” there is no reason to serve them with the same institutions as male-female relationships. What value would be derived from insisting upon a double-standard? Why should heterosexual marriage be expected to include homosexual relationships? If the dynamics of the relationships are different, then a new institution should apply.
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Comment blocked by moderator
Policy Violation

The post violates the Discussion Guidelines.

personal attack



re: Devil
By nashua-mike on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 09:09
armyvet,

We can use a lot less of homophobic slurs towards other posters in this forum.

Why don't you take a bit of time off from the keyboard and reflect on what is the true meaning of Christianity - your self-professed religion.

Maybe you might find out that Christianity is a religion that calls for love, not hate, towards their fellow man and woman.
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Ahahah
By SmarmyVette on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 08:37
Supposedly, God is responisble for all creation, including Lucifer Morningstar, the first among angels. Shouldn't we love all of God's creations?
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God
By Robert Frypp on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 07:48
As are the false God worshipers. What's the difference, really?
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That.....
By Nhdriver on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 04:16
Just ruined someones day.......(lol)

Woof
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Not Really
By armyvet on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 05:57
Just more evidence that the liberal Lynch crew will be swinging in the breeze in the upcoming elections.
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