Your Help Needed To Pass Civil Unions For New Hampshire

Things are happening fast in the effort to adopt Civil Unions for New Hampshire. Last Wednesday the House voted in an astounding way, 243 to 129, in favor of House Bill 437 (copied below). The debate was over 2 1/2 hours long, and was passionate on both sides. But the bipartisan result (most of the Democrats voted for the bill, and we picked up 27 Republican votes) was a historic moment for New Hampshire and the nation.

This coming Tuesday, April 10th, the State Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on House Bill 437. It will begin at 1:15 PM in Representatives Hall, which for orientation purposes is directly under The Golden Dome at the State House in Concord.

How can you help?

First: Please E-Mail your thoughts to as many State Senators as you can, and CALL those in your part of the State. Tell them why LGBT families need ways of equally protecting themselves and how civil unions will impact your family.

The Senate Judiciary Committee:
Senator Joe Foster Chair (Democrat)
Senator Dave Gottesman Vice Chair (Democrat)
Senator Deb Reynolds (Democrat)
Senator Bob Clegg (Republican)
Senator Bob Letourneau (Republican)
Click here to look up contact information for the Committee members as well as your Senators who ALL need to hear your support for this bill.

Next... if you are able, come to the hearing. It is important that the bill has big support. Bring a written testimony talking about yourself, your family and how Civil Unions will validate and protect your family. Each testimony must be four minutes or less. To learn more, contact Representative Jim Splaine
NH State Representative
Telephone & FAX: (603) 436-0718
E-Mail: JimSplaine@aol.com

About the Legislation:
House Bill 437
2007 SESSION - 07-0333 - 09/01
AN ACT permitting same gender couples to enter civil unions and have the same
rights, responsibilities, and obligations as married couples.
SPONSORS: Representative Jim Splaine, Rockingham County District #16;
Representative Dana Hilliard, Strafford County District #2
COMMITTEE: Judiciary
ANALYSIS
This bill permits same gender couples to enter civil unions and have the same
rights, responsibilities, and obligations as married couples.