NH Supports Civil Unions

Yesterday, the Concord Monitor released the results of a recent survey of 600 New Hampshire voters, who voiced their opinions on gay marriage and civil unions. Although a majority of New Hampshire citizens oppose gay marriage, a plurality support granting full legal rights to same-sex couples under the name of a civil union. The results are not shocking, but do show the current mood in the state regarding the issue. I think this creates the perfect opportunity to get some forward traction on protecting New Hampshire's families that happen to be led by same-sex couples.

First, let's start with gay marriage. In the poll, 55 percent of those polled said they opposed this form of legal recognition for same-sex couples, while 35 percent were in favor, with 10 percent undecided on the issue. This may look dismal to some, but compared to other parts of the country it is actually fairly moderate. I believe that numbers like this in part show a misunderstanding of the issue, and what it means legally. Civil marriage is much different from religious marriage, but since both bear the word "marriage," the issue often gets tangled up in tradition and religion.

Where the most attention should be paid at this point in time is that 44 percent of those polled supported granting all of the rights afforded to opposite-sex couples to same-sex couples, only under the name of civil unions. This was higher than the 40 percent who opposed civil unions. In the near term, civil unions may be the way to ensure that all of New Hampshire's families are protected under state law, although it is certainly not the full equality gays and lesbians dream of.

There is good news on the horizon in that legislators are already talking about the issue, and a bill to bring civil unions to New Hampshire in the upcoming legislative session looks likely. If civil unions are approved in the legislature, it is likely that Governor Lynch, who has supported granting domestic partnership rights in New Hampshire’s public university system, would also support a bill that grants same-sex couples the same rights as marriage without using that label.

To a certain extent it does irk me that we can’t just take one more step in the near term and try for full marriage equality, but the realist in me is cognizant of the fact that same-sex marriage is still a touchy subject for most Americans, and New Hampshire citizens for that matter. At this time I think it is important to focus on what is achievable in the near term, so that New Hampshire’s same-sex couples and their children will be protected under state law as soon as possible. Then, once everyone realizes that the sky isn’t falling, the push for full equality can be fully realized.

I know this is a touchy subject for most gays and lesbians. After all, why should we settle for a separate and unequal institution, when our straight friends and family members can simply get married once they find the loves of their lives, or just someone of the opposite sex? The simple answer: we shouldn’t. At the same time, though, we need to keep in mind that there are sometimes several steps towards full equality, and civil unions are a great stepping stone to full legal equality for same-sex couples.

So, in the near term let’s make the push for New Hampshire to become the next state to offer legal protection to same-sex couples, whether it be called marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships. All I know is that whatever it may be called in the short-term, marriage equality will be a reality in New Hampshire, and hopefully the entire country, in the not too distant future.