Small town Deerfield won't participate
in an effort to repeal a gay marriage law in New Hampshire.
State Representative David Bates, a
Republican from Windham, is behind a grassroots effort to raise the
issue of putting a gay marriage ban in the state constitution at town
hall meetings this spring. The campaign encourages people to put a
non-binding resolution calling for a statewide vote on gay marriage
on town ballots.
But on Saturday, Deerfield residents
voted down the plan with a 92-28 vote during a deliberative session
that lasted just under four hours, the Concord Monitor
reported. Residents discussed the proposal for about a half hour
before voting. Deerfield, population 4,181, is believed to be the
first town to reject the plan.
“It's clearly a statewide, divisive
end-around to try to impose individuals' religious and moral views on
others,” Deerfield resident Jim Deely said.
“As far as I'm concerned, in
Deerfield, it's done,” said Chris Tidwell, pastor at Deerfield
Bible Church, who submitted the petition.
Lawmakers approved the law last year
after an intense debate. The law took effect on January 1.