N.H. Gay Group
Endorses John Edwards

One of New Hampshire's leading gay rights groups has endorsed former North Carolina senator John Edwards for president. The New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition cited Edwards's commitment to equal rights and fighting discrimination in all forms, according to a press release.

"We took a long look at all of the candidates, we met with many of them, and in our judgment, John Edwards's sincere commitment to battling discrimination and ensuring equal rights for every American is unparalleled," the group's executive director, state representative Mo Baxley, said in the release. "He and his wonderful wife, Elizabeth, have spent their entire lives fighting for those without a voice and standing up for what is right. John Edwards will be the kind of president we can trust to stand up for everyday Americans."

The coalition quotes Edwards as saying he supports the repeal of the military's ban of gay service members as well as the full repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. He also quoted as saying he would expand hate-crimes legislation and prohibit job discrimination against LGBT workers. The coalition acknowledges that while Edwards support civil unions for same-sex couples, he is not in favor of same-sex marriage. (The Advocate)