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)