Republican-led New Hampshire Legislature Kills Marriage Repeal Bill

by Charles Joughin

WASHINGTON – Today, in a surprise move, the Republican-led House of Representatives in New Hampshire flatly rejected a bill to repeal the state’s popular marriage law by a vote of 211-116. The bill called for ending same-sex marriage, which has been legal in the state for more than two years.

“Today’s big victory is a testament to the bipartisan groundswell throughout the state to keep the popular marriage law on the books,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “This victory was made possible by Republicans and conservatives standing up for freedom and family. Clearly, Granite Staters believe this is a settled issue, and it’s time to move on.”

Every independent poll has shown a supermajority of voters –including Republicans and conservatives - oppose overturning the Granite State’s popular marriage law.

“We thank Governor Lynch and supportive Republican and Democratic legislators for their tireless work on bringing marriage equality to the state and their continued leadership in the weeks ahead,” said Solmonese. “And we could not be more proud of Claremont’s Craig Stowell, a conservative Republican and former Marine, who has been fighting to defend his gay brother’s freedom to get married.”

HRC has been engaged in winning and protecting marriage equality in New Hampshire for a number of years – with particular attention to ensuring lawmakers hear from their constituents through a robust field operation.  

In 2009, the New Hampshire legislature passed a law allowing committed, loving gay and lesbian couple to marry. The Governor signed the bill and since then more than 1,900 same-sex couples have married. 

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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