New Hampshire has a gay marriage bill in the works, and though Governor John Lynch is all for signing it, he specifically stated he would only do so if it was reworded in a way as to exempt any and all religious organizations from any obligations to have anything to do with gays, pretty much, from marrying them to endorsing them or servicing them in any way. While originally the revisions were fine, some of the extra added language to the bill isn't quite as agreeable – in fact, it's plain disruptive to the whole point.
The new version, which is expected to come up for a vote Wednesday, adds a sentence specifying that all religious organizations, associations or societies have exclusive control over their religious doctrines, policies, teachings and beliefs on marriage. It also clarifies that church-related organizations that serve charitable or educational purposes are exempt from having to provide insurance and other benefits to same sex spouses of employees.
The first part of that paragraph, I can't disagree with. Again, I have no problems with religious organizations or folks denying weddings or support to gays. They can be as intolerant and close-minded as they want to be, and I couldn't care less (though I won't stop from laughing at them, of course). It's when they extend this intolerance and heartlessness around them, such as to the government, that problems arise. After all, gays can wed without the Church, but hardly so without both the Church, and the government/legal system.
However, the second part of the paragraph leads a large amount to be desired. Basically, any group or organization that has ties to churches, are able to screw off the gay spouses of their employees without fear of being brought to justice. That, methinks, is definitely taking things too far. "Insurance and other benefits" are supposed to be required to be given to an employee and their spouse and/or family, not just to whomever they desire. That's cheating – and vile.
(via Pharyngula)
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