Yesterday saw a decisive victory for Marriage Equality in the states.  The Republican party had lead an effort to have the act repealed but, thankfully, it was beaten.  Not only did the lawmakers of New Hampshire vote to keep Marriage Equality rather than demoting it to Civil Unions but they also refused to put the issue up for a referendum.  The bill, introduced by David Bates, was defeated by 211 votes to 116, with the referendum being killed by 188 to 162.

One of the Republicans who is in favour of full Marriage Equality, Seth Cohn, made a wonderful statement, asking if left handed people should be banned from marriage.  When asked if he is left handed he replied yes adding “[Everyone has] an equal right to marry the right-hander of their choice”.  Cohn went on to say

I’m using humor to make a point, and when I get up there, believe me, there will be a point made. I’m trying to sway people’s opinions and using humor is one way to do it

New Hampshire Governor John Lynch had said he would fight any effort to repeal the Marriage Equality act, which he signed into law in 2009.  Thankfully this effort never got anywhere near his desk.  It’s not the first time such a bill has been proposed, a similar effort was put forward in 2010 but also missed out on getting the required backing.

Marc Solomon, Freedom to Marry’s national campaign director says

Our opponents tried to abuse the 2010 Republican legislative sweep in New Hampshire to repeal the popular law, what they didn’t count on was the fact that the freedom to marry is becoming a bipartisan value, as resoundingly reflected in today’s vote.

Congratulations to everyone involved.  It’s incredible to think that after getting Marriage Equality passed, so much effort has to go in to keeping it on the books.