Protect Same-Sex Marriage Rights in New Hampshire
Human Rights, Petitions — By Abby Heirtzler on February 18, 2012 5:58 amTarget: New Hampshire State Legislators
Goal: Don’t allow same-sex marriage to be banned in New Hampshire.
In 2009 New Hampshire legally recognized same-sex marriage, a progressive and historical moment for homosexuals throughout the state. Since then, almost 2,000 same-sex couples have been married. Now, State Republicans have introduced a discriminatory bill that repeals their right to marriage. The repeal, HB 437, contradicts the famous words NH lives by, “Live Free or Die”, which they clearly state on every license plate.
Legislation to end same-sex marriage in New Hampshire has been controversial and highly debated. Many Republicans throughout the state don’t agree with a motion to take marriage away from homosexuals. Newbury Republican Representative Steve Winter opposed the repeal, “I’m for liberty and freedom, leaving people alone as long as they don’t harm or defraud other people.”
In 2011 the University of New Hampshire released a poll describing public opinion on the state’s same-sex marriage repeal. The poll found that 62% of New Hampshire residents opposed Republican efforts to repeal the 2009 law that legalized same-sex marriage. The poll also reported that as little as 29% of residents were in favor of the repeal, showing that the repeal of gay marriage had little support within the state.
Public Policy Polling took a separate survey of New Hampshire voters, which revealed that 80% of residents supported the state in legally recognizing same-sex couples. In a state where political party is greatly divided, and both Republicans and Democrats are strongly represented, the majority oppose the same-sex marriage repeal.
The unification of two people, regardless of sexual preference, should remain a personal decision. To take away the option of marriage for certain couples is hateful and discriminatory. It is important the state leaders of New Hampshire uphold the wants and needs of the people. Public opinion shows NH residents do not wish to remove legal recognition of same-sex marriages, which should be respected by New Hampshire legislators, regardless of political party.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear State Legislators of New Hampshire,
To repeal the legal recognition of same-sex marriage in your state would completely reject the ideas and wants of the people of New Hampshire. Research and polling clearly shows that the majority of NH voters support the rights for homosexuals to get married.
Since 2009 nearly 2,000 same-sex couples have been legally recognized in the state. To take that right away for others would undermine the meaningful experience they had. HB 437 is a discriminatory bill, full of hatred and backed by the ignorant fear of those who are different from ourselves.
I urge you to stand by the words that define the State of New Hampshire and its residents, “Live Free or Die”. Oppose HB 437 and do not allow the ideologies of a prejudice minority take away the right of same-sex marriage in NH.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
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The state should issue civil unions to any adult consensual group household; genders should be irrelevant as the state only should be acknowledging their building of a taxpaying family. The churches issuing the marriages (which should include civil unions) should define those marriages; Unitarians and many other churches would be free to marry any consenting adults while no church could be required to host ceremonies outside their beliefs or congregations. So long as both these factors are included, we are all protected and respected.
A class in RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY should be taught from Grade one to graduation, children should be taught that anything is permissible as long as it does not hurt themselves or anybody else. Common sense would dictate that if children are taught at a very early age that every child has their own strengths and weaknesses and that they should use their strengths to help not tease or bully others. It should not matter if a child comes from a FAMILY of a mother and father, 2 mothers or 2 fathers as long as they are loved.
Sex Education should be taught from LGBT, Contraceptives, Masturbation and all forms of sex. Let us face it whether we like it or not children are curious and are having sex earlier and earlier. Children should be taught the joys and the consequences of having sex ( Pregnancy,STD, AIDS ) But you say when will this be taught. Cut out Geography or History early on then put it back in and remove Geometry and Algebra. They can learn this in college if need be. I believe this is a solution. Nipping it in the Bud so that Bullying, Sexual Assault, and many others will be greatly diminished if not eradicated. It is my belief that when children graduate with these principals where they are taught RESPECT for themselves and others and to take RESPONSIBILITY for their actions. If children grow up with these principals I believe business and government would benefit greatly. Within a few generations this world would be a much better place to live in.
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