The New Hampshire Senate has just voted 13-11 in favor of a bill that would redefine marriage in the state. This was an amended version of a same-sex marriage bill already approved by the House, so it must now go back to the House for approval before going to the governor. The “concessions” in the Senate version distinguish civil and religious marriages (was that a question?) and allow married couples to choose to be designated as “bride,” “groom,” or “spouse.” One senator is quoted as saying this generosity is “respectful to both sides of the debate” although bill opponents might be forgiven for sensing a patronizing note in this.
Sources in Maine say that the legislature may take up that state’s redefinition bill, LD 1020, as early as Thursday. They say that increasing pressure is being brought to bear on legislators by citizens who oppose the bill.