The New Hampshire State Senate passed a marriage equality bill this afternoon, overturning the original Senate Judiciary Committee recommendation that it be voted Inexpedient to Legislate.
This was done, I believe, with the help of the state blog Blue Hampshire. (In the interest of full disclosure, I am a "front-pager" there)
As reported in The Concord Monitor
The New Hampshire Senate voted, 13-11, today to allow adult same-sex couples to marry, approving an amended version of a House-passed bill after a vote to kill the legislation altogether failed by the same margin.
Blue Hampshire had a whip count for the last several days, following reports of how Senators said they would vote. There were also several diaries written in support of marriage equality. Contact information for State Senators was also made available.
This was a big victory, but not only for freedom and equality. Right wing groups, both in-state and out of state, were pressuring the Senators as well. If the vote had gone the other way, it would have emboldened them to pursue their agenda, even as the country is changing and moving in a progressive direction.
Dean Barker has done an outstanding job, along with Laura Clawson, the other regulars and community members.
To the New Hampshire State Senators who came through on this:You're awesome
Oh-a special thank you to the "Cheers and Jeers" kiddie pool swimmers. Your good vibes definitely helped, I'm sure of it!