Granite State Progress Praises Marriage Recognition Bill

Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, ceremoniously signed into law SB 394 this week, a bipartisan measure relative to the recognition of out of state marriages, uniform marriage recognition law, civil union recognition, and gender neutral references. SB 394 clarifies New Hampshire’s marriage equality law to ensure that all married couples in New Hampshire receive the fair and equal treatment under the law that they deserve.

Zandra Rice Hawkins, the executive director of Granite State Progress, praised the legislation, saying the state was on the right side of history.

“This law clarifies that we are a welcoming state whether you live here, visit here, or marry here,” she noted.

Hawkins noted that the group was proud to have worked with one of the sponsors, state Sen. Bette Lasky, D-Nashua, to bring it forward and clarify some of the legal language surrounding changes to the state’s laws.

“I was proud to be an early and constant supporter for marriage equality in our state, and I am honored to sponsor bills that seek to provide LGBT couples and their families the same protections under the law as other families,” Lasky said.

In attendance at the signing were Beverly Youree and Carol Nepton of Manchester. The grandparents of five entered into a VT civil union in 2002, yet were shocked that even after New Hampshire passed marriage equality, they could not get married in their home state without dissolving their civil union first. Instead of face that legal uncertainty, they instead chose to marry in VT in 2010. Under this new law, same-sex couples will no longer have to face that choice.

Also in attendance was Tracy Barbour of Salem. Tracy entered into a VT civil union with her ex-partner in 2002. They then had a son together in 2003 and married in Massachusetts in 2004. However, despite being a parent in every meaning of that word, the family court refused to see her as such after she filed for divorce in 2013. Tracy has not seen her son in almost two years. This law establishes that parents like Tracy should be treated as an equal parent and gives Tracy hope that she might see her son again.

Janson Wu, Legal Attorney, GLAD, stated that the org thanked all involved for “their continued work to advance equal rights for all Granite State families, and for the support of the New Hampshire state Legislature to ensure gay and lesbian couples and their families receive full rights under the law.”

SB 394 was co-sponsored by Lasky (Nashua), Sen. Jeff Woodburn (Dalton), Sen. David Watters (Dover), Sen. Martha Fuller Clark (Portsmouth), Sen. John Reagan (Deerfield), Rep. Lucy Weber (Walpole), Rep. Paul Hackel (Nashua), and Rep. Marjorie Smith (Durham). It took effect starting on July 10.

Submitted by Granite State Progress.