PRESS RELEASE

April 14, 2009

From:Garth Corriveau

It is a privilege to announce that today the New Hampshire Young Democrats Executive Committee, on behalf of its membership (18-35 year olds who account for approximately 25% of the NH Democratic Party), unanimously passed a resolution urging the state senate and Governor Lynch to pass HB 436 and enact marriage equality into law in New Hampshire.

Copies of NHYD's resolution are being sent this week to the state senate, the governor and to our statewide membership. The resolution reads:

WHEREAS All persons are born equally free and independent; therefore, all government of right originates from the people, is founded in consent, and instituted for the general good. N.H. Constitution Part I, Article I.

WHEREAS, All persons have certain natural, essential, and inherent rights - among which are, the enjoying and defending of life and liberty; acquiring, possessing, and protecting property and the pursuit of happiness. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by this state on account of race, creed, color, sex or national origin. N.H. Constitution Part I, Article II.

WHEREAS, the New Hampshire Young Democrats support all efforts to afford equal protection under the law to New Hampshire citizens regardless of race, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation

WHEREAS, the State of New Hampshire sanctions the institution of marriage in name, form, and substance.

WHEREAS, marriage protects the happiness and well-being of married couples and the family.

WHEREAS, same gender couples, opposite gender couples, and their families are equal under the New Hampshire Constitution and equally deserve the protections and happiness of marriage.

WHEREAS, separate but equal does not mean equal.

WHEREAS, civil union does not mean marriage.

WHEREAS, equal marriage will promote and protect the happiness and well-being of same gender couples and same gender attracted youth and adults.

WHEREAS, House Bill 436, relative to civil marriage and civil unions, eliminates the exclusion of same gender couples from marriage.

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the NHYD Executive Committee on behalf of the New Hampshire Young Democrats, enthusiastically supports the passage of House Bill 436 and the inclusion of same gender couples within the State sanctioned institution of marriage in order to further the goals of the New Hampshire Constitution and to promote the happiness and well-being of all couples.

Garth Corriveau

President, New Hampshire Young Democrats