The House is expected to vote this afternoon on a measure that would repeal the State’s 2009 law that legalized same-sex marriage.
There is a decidedly quiet mood outside the Statehouse today, as both opponents and supporters of gay marriage await an anticipated vote on a repeal. The Republican-sponsored measure attempts to re-define marriage as between a man and a woman. The bill would allow for civil unions.
Statehouse observers expect a close vote, in part because of a strong libertarian streak that runs through many House Republicans.
Dunbarton resident Steve Michaud, a gay-marriage opponent, says the government has an important role to play.
"The state has a strong interest in retaining traditional marriage," said Michaud.
On the other side of the debate, gay marriage supporters like Marcia Blackman of Concord hope lawmakers are uneasy taking people’s rights away.
“We’ve already won this fight, and I don't see why we need to fight it over and over and over again."
Governor Lynch has vowed to veto any repeal measures that reach his desk.
