Individual rights a hot issue for the state's lawmakers this session

[Shana A]

Individual rights a hot issue for the state's lawmakers this session
By JOHN KNOWLES

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20090510%2FOPINION04%2F305109951%2F-1%2Fopinion

This year the Legislature has considered many controversial bills, but two in particular have dealt with personal rights and the tolerance of differences.

One of these bills, HB 415, which would have prohibited discrimination against transgender persons, failed in the Senate. HB 436, which would permit same-sex marriage, is now under consideration by the governor.

The two principle founding documents of our country make clear that our government is based on equal rights for all citizens. The beginning of the Declaration of Independence asserts that "all men are created equal" and have "certain unalienable Rights . . . among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."