The anti-equality forces are gearing up for the next legislative session in New Hampshire, with hopes of repealing the state's new marriage law. But, fortunately, it's not going to be easy for them:
One of the two proposals is a bill that bans same-sex marriage, but allows for civil unions. The other is a constitutional amendment calling for marriage to be defined as the union of a man and a woman. But both could derail what Rep. Jim Splaine, D-Portsmouth, has fought for years to achieve.Yes, because to most politicians, this is just a political issue. But, for gay Americans, this is our our lives and our rights.
He is the sponsor of House Bill 436 — the landmark legislation allowing gay marriage that passed last spring. After finally winning the hard-fought battle, Splaine said he's ready for the next round.
"We are on excellent ground," Splaine said, optimistic the new same-sex marriage law will remain in effect. "It is much easier to defend than to obtain."
Splaine said "fear and hatred" led to the defeat of Maine's law, along with "sloganizing" that turned the state's voters against the months-old law. He said he doesn't see that happening here after numerous hours of debate in the Legislature led to the passage of a carefully crafted law he expects will withstand the toughest of challenges.
"I think we are going to win. I'm sure of that," he said.
Also, adoption of a constitutional amendment would require approval from 60 percent of the members from the both the House and Senate to be placed on the ballot. Then, two-thirds of voters would have to adopt the measure.
"I don't see that happening," Splaine said. "I think the Republicans are just looking to make an issue of it," referring to the GOP backers of the proposals to repeal gay marriage.
Unfortunately, too many politicos on both sides of the aisle view LGBT equality only through a political prism not as an issue about civil rights and basic equality.
As a native Mainer, tt pains me to know that New Hampshire is more progressive than Maine on marriage.
