Why Does Marriage Matter?

Equal marriage rights in New Hampshire are in danger of being replaced by what the members of the state congress call a "civil union." But as a panel of experts pointed out during the "Why Does Marriage Matter?" discussion, the proposed new title will not suffice.

"The legislative proposal is called ‘civil union,' but under this law a grandmother and grandchild can get one," Brian Donaghy, a professor and gay rights activist at Keene State University pointed out to the crowd, "and most important the bill is strictly voluntary."

Making recognition of a civil union voluntary may impact gay and lesbian couples throughout the state dramatically. The change would strip couples of recognition and rights that normal married couples receive. Another speaker on the panel, Brian Rayder, gave a scenario that an employer doesn't have to recognize, therefore can deny healthcare and benefits to someone's spouse. These laws not only deny the right to an equal marriage, but they would undermine nondiscrimination laws. Implementation of this law is a massive step backwards for gay rights activists.

If the bill does pass (which is likely with a Republicans majority in the congress), many believe Governor Lynch will veto it. Lynch has taken a stand on marriage rights before saying, "a separate system is not an equal system."

Whether the bill passes or not, proposed bills like this one, goes to show how fragile equal rights are in the state of New Hampshire. Unlike states such as Connecticut and Massachusetts who gained equal marriage rights via the judicial process, New Hampshire's law came through the legislator. Legislative laws are always vulnerable to reform.

The panel discussion continued throughout the evening with a variety of topics from the background history on the states gay-rights progress to many other issues of gender equality in America.

Another speaker on the panel, Sue Ford, a democratic congresswomen, urged the group in the Frost Commons to not be stagnant on gay and lesbian issues. "Personal phone calls make a difference. Make somebody listen" Ford said. Ford encouraged the group to find out who their representatives are and to make brief contact expressing personal thoughts and ideals.

The discussion, which was fueled by anonymous audience questions, gave students and attendees the opportunity to asks tough questions to the panel of experts. The hour long presentation was informative and driven to inspire the crowd.

This event was part of many events "Queer History Month" has to offer. The group S.A.G.E. (Sexuality, Anti-Violence, Gender and Equality)  has many more events like this to come throughout the month of October.