I'm a registered resident and voter in Salem New Hampshire, and one of my representatives is David Bates, sponsor of HB 437. HB 437 is an attempt to repeal same sex marriage in the "live free or die" state, which was sent back to committee just after the last public hearings on February 17, 2011.
In excess of 500 people came out to support same sex marriage (as compared to the 70 or so against equality), many giving their testimony. Some think that because there was a lack of support for the bill at this hearing that this battle is all but won, and come next year the vote against HB 437 will be a formality. However, republicans are also still firmly in control of New Hampshire and not afraid to use their advantage to further their agenda.
Sending HB 437 back to committee seems like a victory to many who don't know how savvy politicians are in this state, so I feel it is my obligation to share some insight into this matter. I've contacted Rep. David Bates and exhanged dialogue through emails; he has no intention of changing his position on this matter. So why then would he request the Judicial Committee table the bill he sponsored until next year? Why would 2012 be a better time to vote on this in New Hampshire, which has huge influence in Presidential Elections?
This may very well be an orchistrated delay meant to bring this issue up during the Presidential Election process next year, effectively resurrecting what happened in 2004. I took keen notice when Rep. Bates asked to table his bill because in doing so in the public hearing he mentioned that the NH GOP was in agreement that this should happen and reminded his fellow Republicans on the committee to follow their marching orders. The testimony at this hearing is largely preserved on YouTube for people to review for themselves and hear what he said first hand.
Anyone interested in fact checking can visit the NH GOP Party Platform and see for themselves what the New Hampshire Republican Party thinks of marriage equality, but here is the pertinent excerpt listed under article VIII FAMILY:
Recognizing marriage as the legal union between one man and one womanOpposing recognition by the state of New Hampshire of all other forms of civil unions, regardless of where such unions were formed (other states, U.S. territories, and foreign countries)