Dozens of gay and lesbian couples entered into civil unions in New Hampshire in the early moments of New Year's Day.
"We've been together 20 years; we've been waiting for this moment; finally the state will recognize us as we are," said Julie Bernier. Bernier and Andresen, who both work at Plymouth State University, never sought a commitment ceremony or other symbolic recognition of their relationship before Tuesday.
"I didn't believe in doing it until it meant something," Bernier said.
The outdoors event that began at 11 p.m. Monday was equal parts political rally, party and personal triumph.
New Hampshire follows Vermont, Connecticut and New Jersey in allowing civil unions. Massachusetts is the only state that allows marriage. New Hampshire estimates that as many as 3,500 to 4,000 civil unions will be performed this first year.
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 25
all the quietly protesting folk are ecstatic ya know!
The legal challenges have now been decisively ended by a ruling of the State Supreme Court.
Despite the best efforts of the legal foundations bank-rolled by the religious right, New York has affirmed a commitment to marriage equality.
It won't be long until New York permits gay marriage within the state, too.