Friday, September 6, 2002

A story released today by the Union Leader reports that New Hampshire Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Beverly Hollingworth struck a chord with local activists for saying she would sign a civil union law if it came to her desk, while some are confused about where her opponent Mark Fernald stands.

"Her response is absolutely favored by the community and I know people in the community are wondering what exactly is Sen. Fernald’s position. It’s not clear to us," said Mo Baxley of Liberty First, a statewide group that advocates for gay and lesbian legal equality.

The Democrats’ views contrast sharply with the three Republican gubernatorial hopefuls, who said they would not sign a civil union bill and have criticized same-sex lifestyles.

In the debate, both Democrats said they would work to improve laws that protect gays and lesbians. Hollingworth said she would sign a civil union bill legalizing same-sex marriages if it got to her desk.

"If the Legislature were progressive enough, and I hope they are, that they would put that bill on my desk, I certainly would sign it. I think it’s time," said Hollingworth, a state senator from Hampton.

Fernald, a state senator from Sharon, said he disagrees with Republican gubernatorial candidates who would "want to turn back the clock" on anti-discrimination legislation. "I think that is wrong and it is something I will fight against with everything I can as governor," he said.

The 2000 census shows more than 2,700 same-sex households in New Hampshire where occupants have identified themselves as unmarried partners, according to Beth McGuinn, co-facilitator of New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition.

The Democratic candidates stand in stark contrast to whomever the Republicans nominate in their primary contest. GOP hopeful Bruce Keough described same-sex lifestyles as "ridiculous and destructive to the family . . . They are not a group that should be promoted."