Marriage Equality Advances in New England

Today, the Senates of both Maine and New Hampshire have advanced legislation that would create marriage equality in their states.
The Maine Senate passed their bill by a vote of 21 to 14. The bill now goes to the House, which is expected to vote early next week. To see how your senator voted and to take continuing action on marriage equality in Maine, click HERE. Fae Silverman, an adult COLAGEr, attended the recent legislative hearings in Maine. She reflected on her own experience of her gay dad moving to the Netherlands because of the homophobia climate in the United States and how love and honesty were the most important things for a healthy family.
The New Hampshire Senate approved their bill which now must go back to the house so that they may approve the changes made by the Senate. It then moves on to the Governor. COLAGE Board of Directors member, Deanna Makinen, a youth with lesbian moms from Exeter, NH commented, “Gay marriage passing means a lot to me. It means that my family in the eyes of the New Hampshire government is as valid as a heterosexual headed family. Legalizing gay marriage is just the beginning to the equality movement in New Hampshire.” Please, contact your senators to thank them for their yes votes, and remind your representatives to continue their support of the bill. To learn more and get involved in the ongoing work in New Hampshire, click HERE.
If you are a youth or adult with LGBTQ parents who lives in Maine or New Hampshire, please tell us how you feel about these advancements for equality! Email Meredith today!