It's New Year's Eve. There are just a few hours to go before Midnight, and guess what happens right after then?
Okay, lots of things. But one thing that is happening that affects some people very much is the New Hampshire Civil Unions law becomes effective. And in some ways, it affects all of us.
It was a tough, long battle to get to this point. Still, a lot needs to be done for full equality. We need full marriage equality with the word, and Civil Unions don't allow for the many federal benefits otherwise given to differently-gendered couples.
BUT, the New Hampshire Civil Unions law will provide for equality under the state laws for both gay and straight couples. That's a lot of progress. That's more equality for gays and lesbians here than in 45 other states.
There are those who are still attacking the thought of Civil Unions and equality. During the past several days I've heard and read a number of those attacks, and a few have been mentioned to me face-to-face. Hey, it happens.
But as I drive to the State House in Concord tonight to watch some of the very first Civil Unions, I'll be reminded that nothing on this planet is more important than the way we treat one another. So many of our problems would disappear if we treated one another fairly and equally. I can't quite figure out what motivates anyone to do otherwise.
Why are Civil Unions important? -- even for those who won't engage in one? I think it's because of the message it sends.
Right now there are some young people in this state -- more than just a few perhaps -- who are dreading going back to school next week where they will continue to be harassed and mocked because of being gay, or perceived to be. Questions about one's sexual identity is one of the leading causes of suicide among young people.
But in tomorrow's newspapers and on television, they will see couples who happen to be of the same gender committing to one another to share their lives and love together. And they will be hearing that our state government has said that is okay. It's okay to be gay. That's a powerful message to everyone.
Sometimes when I think politics is rough and tough and tumble, I think of how some people have treated me, and others, who are gay -- before we "came out," and even now. Each and every day, gay and lesbian young people, and the older among us, have some of the cruelest things said to us and about us. Most of us who are gay have either been beaten up or had hostile things said to us. I've had both, even recently. It does get personal. And it does hurt.
But, with Civil Unions we have made some progress. We're not there yet. Civil Unions open one more door for equality and acceptance for gays and lesbians. There are other doors to open. There are more miles to walk. But we will get there.
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Here in New Hampshire, as of 01.01.08 -12:01 AM, the law will say that same-gendered couples who have a Civil Union will have all of the same "rights, responsibilities, and obligations" which are currently given under our marriage statutes to differently-gendered couples. That's more than we've ever had here.
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And that's a good thing. It's a good thing for gays and lesbians. It's a good thing for New Hampshire. And it's a good thing because nothing is more important than the way we treat one another -- fairly, and equally.
A great way to start the New Year! And I wonder what all the Presidential candidates visiting New Hampshire will say about it during the next several days.
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