Lynch: Change Bill Wording Or I Will Veto
Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 1:36 pm
Concord – Gov. John Lynch said he will veto the same-sex marriage bill if it does not change before it gets to his desk.
He said his main concern is that the bill, HB 436, and a companion bill don’t provide enough legal protection for religious groups or institutions opposed to the concept.
He has provided legislative leaders with wording that will satisfy him and is leaving it to the House and Senate to move next.
“If the Legislature passes this language, I will sign the same-sex marriage bill into law. If the Legislature doesn’t pass these provisions, I will veto it. We can and we must treat both same-sex couples and people of certain religious traditions with respect and dignity.”
Lynch said he modeled his suggestions based on same-sex marriage laws that are in place in Vermont and Connecticut. He said the Legislature has time to act before the end of this session in June.
“The ball is in their court at this point,” Lynch said in a session with reporters.
http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?hea ... f29cb91d7b
He said his main concern is that the bill, HB 436, and a companion bill don’t provide enough legal protection for religious groups or institutions opposed to the concept.
He has provided legislative leaders with wording that will satisfy him and is leaving it to the House and Senate to move next.
“If the Legislature passes this language, I will sign the same-sex marriage bill into law. If the Legislature doesn’t pass these provisions, I will veto it. We can and we must treat both same-sex couples and people of certain religious traditions with respect and dignity.”
Lynch said he modeled his suggestions based on same-sex marriage laws that are in place in Vermont and Connecticut. He said the Legislature has time to act before the end of this session in June.
“The ball is in their court at this point,” Lynch said in a session with reporters.
http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?hea ... f29cb91d7b