New Hampshire legalizes same-sex marriage

By Michael J.W. Stickings

A compromise was finally reached. Yesterday, New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch signed into law a bill that legalizes same-sex marriage in that state:

"Today we're standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear they will receive the same rights, responsibilities, and respect under New Hampshire law," Governor John Lynch said before signing the legislation in a State House ceremony at about 5:20 p.m.

Lynch said it was a New Hampshire tradition "to come down on the side of individual liberties and protections, and that tradition continues today." The room, filled by scores of the bill's supporters, resounded with applause as he signed.

New Hampshire is the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage.

And, today, we celebrate another victory for justice and equality in America. It is a slow process, too slow, but there is no denying that, at long last, the state-approved bigotry that has kept gays and lesbians apart from their fellow citizens, and that has denied them their civil rights, is being rolled back and, one hopes, obliterated.