New Hampshire Votes to Defend Marriage

UPDATE II: The Manchester Union Leader is now reporting: "Granite State voters on Tuesday signaled a desire to vote on same-sex marriage, according to results of town meetings from across the state. Ballot articles calling for a statewide referendum passed in at least 42 towns..."

UPDATE: More info at the "Let New Hampshire Vote" website. They are showing the resolution has passed in 32 towns, failed in only 5.

Today, New Hampsherites held "Town Meeting" for 2010. This is an opportunity for the citizens of New Hampshire townships to vote on various issues. One of the issues this year is same-sex "marriage," which was imposed on the state by the legislature. Today 130 towns voted on a non-binding resolution asking the legislature to bring the definition of marriage to a popular vote. Here's the reolution:

"Resolved: The citizens of New Hampshire should be allowed to vote on an amendment to the New Hampshire Constitution that defines marriage."

The resolution itself has no legal force, but a resolution passed by citizens asking for the right to self-government has great moral force.

Partial results below are from the Manchester Union-Leader. The first number is those who have voted to bring the question of same-sex "marriage" before the people of the state. The second number is those opposed. It's heartening for those who believe in the people's right to self-goverment.

Dunbarton 77-58
Windham 1,428-832
Epsom 422-225
Bedford 2,783-1,040
Hampstead 1,190-499
Allenstown 383-198
Wakefield 504-242
Swanzey 524-422
Plaistow 627 yes, 339 no

Of the towns so far reporting, only Northumberland voted against the measure: 57-104.

The Union-Leader reports Auburn “voted in favor” but no numbers were given, that Nelson "voted not to vote," and that Sugar Hill voters “passed over the measure.”

In Windham, State Rep. David Bates, R-Windham, reports that two North Country towns have backed the reolution:

“As far as the marriage amendment, the good weather and decent turnout benefits us," he said. "The whole thing that has driven this petition initiative is that most people are not in favor of the law as it was changed by the governor and the legislature. If people just have the opportunity to have their voices heard, I think that's going to show most people aren't in favor and they want the opportunity to vote on it."

h/t Maggie Gallagher