NH coalition launches marriage equality ad

“This is New Hampshire. We believe freedom – means freedom for everyone, every single person. Politicians should let our neighbors live their lives and leave them alone.”

That’s the message from New Hampshire citizens in a new TV ad aimed at persuading state legislators to oppose House Bill 437, which would repeal the Granite State’s marriage equality law.

Standing Up For NH Families, a bi-partisan, grassroots group comprised of residents and a leadership council of more than 200 civic, business, academic and political leaders, bought airtime on WMUR-TV in New Hampshire.

The ad features Craig and Berta Stowell. Craig Stowell is a former Marine who served in Iraq, a life-long Claremont resident and a conservative Republican who co-chairs Standing Up for NH Families.

“We know the people of New Hampshire support individual rights,” said Stowell. “And polls show voters strongly oppose repealing the current marriage law, across every demographic and geographic measure. This effort to repeal or undermine the freedom to marry does not represent our core New Hampshire values. We hope our ad reminds lawmakers that they need to listen to the people.”

Maxine Morse of Portsmouth, a longtime Republican activist, and Dan Calegari of Manchester, a Democrat and former small business owner, also appear in the ad.

The 30-second spot will run in a heavy rotation this week, part of a campaign to show strong bipartisan opposition to repeal.

A House vote is expected as early as the first week of January.

Gov. John Lynch has indicated he will veto attempts to repeal the law that has allowed more than 1,000 Granite State couples to marry.

A transcript follows:

Maxine: “This is New Hampshire.”

Craig: “This is New Hampshire.”

Dan: “This is New Hampshire.”

Berta: “The place we call home.”

Maxine: “We’re proud of this state.”

Dan: “And proud of what it stands for.”

Maxine: “We believe freedom-“

Dan: “Freedom-”