The New Hampshire Legislature today defeated two attempts to emasculate equal marriage rights.
Earlier today, by a vote of 201 to 135 an amendment that "provides that the state shall only recognize the union of one man and one woman as marriage" was defeated.
And just now, by a vote of 210 to 109, HB 1590, a bill to repeal marriage equality, was defeated.
Update: More info at Blue New Hampshire and again, from Jennifer Daler
In perhaps one of the more bizarre speeches ever given opposing same-sex marriage, a New Hampshire legislator spoke of marriage equality as a flight of fancy, with people entering into same-sex marriage engaging in fantasies akin to his granddaughter's daydreams that she is a princess, and to his grandson's play-acting the role of Darth Vader. I didn't know grandsons wanted to grow up to be Dick Cheney, but I digress.
Another opposition legislator noted, apparently profoundly, that "A turnip is not a potato." I have no idea what erudite argument he was trying to make. But you have to admit it's hard to argue with.
Finally, the New Hampshire Legislature was treated to a legislator of (proudly) Italian descent citing his family members' opposition and asserting:
"A black person cannot change the color of his skin, but a homosexual can change his sexual orientation at any time."
So three and more cheers for New Hampshire for not listening to these people!
And there's only 7 Congressional Session days left until equal marriage rights are a reality in Washington DC.
Update
From the Manchester Union-Leader
Rep. John Cebrowski, R-Bedford said no gay partnership can be considered a true marriage, calling the notion "a cruel joke."
He argued, "The vast majority of adults out there know marriage is between man and woman. To engage in this flight of imagination ... with adults is downright cruel."
Correction: I determined that I had reversed the turnip quote, after listening to the video replay. The legislator said, and I now quote: "A potato is not a turnip."