Governor opposes
N.H. constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage

New Hampshire governor John Lynch said he's against same-sex marriage but opposes changing the state's constitution to ban it. The Democratic governor has plenty of company among legislators of both parties, who said Thursday they see little chance of the amendment passing. "There is no need to amend our constitution to do what is already set in law," Lynch said, expressing views shared by many. "Our time is better spent focusing on the real challenges facing New Hampshire and working to unite people, not divide them." New Hampshire law already defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. But on Wednesday a commission studying same-sex unions voted to recommend a constitutional amendment to limit marriage to male-female couples. Any move to change New Hampshire's constitution would have to pass the house and senate before going to voters in a referendum. Sen. Jack Barnes said he proposed the amendment so voters will be able to see where their representatives stand. "People have a right to know how the people they elected feel on certain issues," said Barnes, a Republican from Raymond. But lawmakers on both sides of the issue said they welcome the start of a long-term debate on same-sex marriage in New Hampshire. "From the societal point of view, it's about time we began that," said Rep. Jim MacKay, a Republilcan from Concord who sits on the same-sex marriage commission. MacKay voted against an amendment. "Right now it's the third rail of politics--nobody wants to touch it," said Rep. Tony Soltani, Republican chairman of the commission. Soltani supports an amendment. "I don't expect anybody in a leadership position to be enthusiastic about it or make it a part of the platform. I do expect them to give it due consideration," he said. (AP)