A friend, family really, the sister of my life-partner who passed from AIDS in 1988, writes:
What a wonderful victory in NH today!!! I am so proud of our state for supporting equal rights!
Gay marriage legislation became law in New Hampshire this afternoon.
Gov. John Lynch signed the bills just after 5:20 p.m. before dozens of enthusiastic supporters of same-sex marriage.
New Hampshire’s law takes effect Jan. 1.
Rev. Gene Robinson, Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire, the church’s only openly gay bishop, believes:
“A lot of New Hampshire families have come to know people in their families who are gay — co-workers, former classmates — and that’s what really made this difference. We are no longer talking about an issue. We are talking about people.”
That last via Ann at Feministing who notes:
Despite the good news, let’s not forget that New Hampshire also recently rejected a bill that would have protected transgender folks under anti-discrimination and hate crime laws. There is a LOT more work to be done to bring equality to the state.
PZ Myers points to a poem from Digital Cuttlefish:
Applause! Applause! It’s in the laws!
The matter’s been decided!
Hooray! Hooray! As of today,
No more a state divided! [Read on…]
Here’s video, via Andy Towle, of Governor Lynch signing the bill.