WASHINGTON - April 29 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund lauds the New Hampshire Senate's passage of a bill extending the freedom to marry to same-sex couples. The Senate passed the legislation today by a vote of 13 to 11; the state House of Representatives previously passed the bill by a vote of 186 to 179. Because the Senate added minor amendments to the bill, it now heads back to the state House for another vote.

The Task Force Action Fund is deeply disappointed, however, in the Senate's failure today to pass the transgender nondiscrimination and hate crimes bill.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund

"This vote in the New Hampshire Senate is another sign of the progress being made toward equality. For far too long, many New Hampshire families have been placed in harm's way because they lack the full, fundamental protections they deserve. We urge Gov. John Lynch to rectify this inequality - and help safeguard more of New Hampshire's families - by stepping up and signing this bill when it finally reaches his desk.

"We salute the courage and commitment of the New Hampshire Senate for doing the right thing by passing the marriage equality measure. At the same time, we are incredibly disappointed that the transgender nondiscrimination and hate crimes bill, which would grant simple protection from employment and housing discrimination to transgender people, was defeated by the Senate. We hope the New Hampshire legislature will soon take up the issue of discrimination and hate crimes against transgender people again and vote to pass such critical protections.

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition and GLAD for their hard work and tireless advocacy for these bills."