NH Legislature Sees Bill Granting License To Discriminate Against Gay Couples

The New Hampshire legislature will consider a bill that would allow Christian businesses to refuse service to gay couples. Rep. Frank Sapareto says anybody that opposes his bill is "intolerant."

The bill would put an exemption in state marriage law. The proposed text says no person, including a business owner or employee, should be required to provide services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods or privileges for wedding services in "violation of the person's conscience or religious faith." The bill also would protect against lawsuits arising from refusal to provide those services. Sapareto acknowledged the sponsors oppose gay marriage. "Our definition of marriage is heterosexual," he said.

Sapareto is preparing a companion bill granting the right to discriminate against darkies.