FAQ’s
- Why marriage?
- What is civil marriage?
- What is religious marriage?
- I have heard that there are some churches that will perform religious marriages for same sex couples. Is this true?
- Is my marriage valid outside the state of New Hampshire?
- Does the federal government recognize my marriage?
Marriage provides and expects many things. Of course, there are the hundreds of state rights and responsibilities. Marriage also carries with it a certain understanding of responsibility and stability in ones relationship. It is a cultural status that, although not everyone may agree with, everyone has an understanding of the relationship involved in a marriage. When a couple is married, the commitment they make to each other is expected to last a lifetime. Though marriage that commitment is not only a private statement but a public one as well.
Civil marriage is the legal agreement between two people and the state, which is recognized at all levels of government. Civil marriage confers hundreds of rights, privileges, and responsibilities to couples at the state level. There are 1,049 rights and responsibilities associated with civil marriage.
Religious marriages of opposite-sex couples are recognized by all levels of government and are performed by representatives of a religious organization. Gay and lesbian couples who marry within their religious communities are denied legal recognition
I have heard that there are some churches that will perform religious marriages for lesbian and gay couples. Is this true?
Yes. There are churches that will perform marriage or commitment ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples. Each religious denomination has its own set of beliefs and confers religious marriage according to its tradition. Some recognize lesbian and gay relationships while others choose not to do so. Civil marriage would not change a religious denominations’ ability to affirm or deny gay and lesbian marriage within their faith community.
Is my marriage valid outside the state of New Hampshire?
Yes and no. Each state determines its own marriage laws. Some recognize New Hampshire same-gender marriages, and some do not. The defense of marriage act declares that no state will be forced to recognize same-gender marriages from another state.
Does the federal government recognize my marriage?
No. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-gender marriages.