The New Hampshire Senate held a public hearing allowing testimony from citizens and interested parties April 15, 2009 on the matter of HB436; the Gay Marriage Bill. The opposition to equality did their best to equate civil marriage given by the state as religious marriage so they can claim the inclusion of GLBT equality would be an infringement on their religious rights. I'm not sure how successful they were with the Senate panel, but the number of opponents to HB436 was disturbing from a supporter's point of view.
Ronald "Pants Guy" Goodwin has made his mark in history, but will his friends and relatives appreciate the mark he left? Here's what he had to say; video taken by Ryan Marvin of NH Coalition for Equal Rights:
Bear in mind the NH Senate is mostly female when you imagine how well Goodwin's testimony will be received by those Senators not present to hear him in person.
The disturbing truth is there seems a level of ignorance that should not be. Even though it is painful to hear it gives me hope. Ignorance is not a choice; hate based on ignorance can be healed if the mind is open to logic. There are fewer hateful people today than there was before. I wake up and realize that's true all over again Every day. Someday soon we will live in a society that respects the strengths individuality brings, understands the prudence of caution, and remembers that courage brings us both growth and pride. Until that day comes we need to approach everyone we can and help them become fully informed on matters of equality.