CACR17: relating to natural rights. Providing that discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.

CACR 17 – AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

03/13/14 0988s

2014 SESSION

14-2603

06/08

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 17

RELATING TO: natural rights.

PROVIDING THAT: discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.

SPONSORS: Sen. Pierce, Dist 5; Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 21; Sen. Gilmour, Dist 12; Sen. Kelly, Dist 10; Sen. Lasky, Dist 13; Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Woodburn, Dist 1; Rep. Butler, Carr 7; Rep. Harding, Graf 13; Rep. M. Smith, Straf 6; Rep. G. Richardson, Merr 10

COMMITTEE: Rules, Enrolled Bills and Internal Affairs

ANALYSIS

This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

03/13/14 0988s

14-2603

06/08

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Fourteen

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

RELATING TO: natural rights.

PROVIDING THAT: discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.

Be it Resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring, that the

Constitution of New Hampshire be amended as follows:

I. That article 2 of the first part of the constitution be amended to read as follows:

[Art.] 2. [Natural Rights.] All [men] individuals have certain natural, essential, and inherent rights - among which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing, and protecting, property; and, in a word, of seeking and obtaining happiness. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by this state on account of race, creed, color, sex [or], national origin, or sexual orientation.

II. That the above amendment proposed to the constitution be submitted to the qualified voters of the state at the state general election to be held in November, 2014.

III. That the selectmen of all towns, cities, wards and places in the state are directed to insert in their warrants for the said 2014 election an article to the following effect: To decide whether the amendments of the constitution proposed by the 2014 session of the general court shall be approved.

IV. That the wording of the question put to the qualified voters shall be:

“Are you in favor of amending Article 2 of the first part of the constitution to read as follows:

[Art.] 2. [Natural Rights.] All individuals have certain natural, essential, and inherent rights - among which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing, and protecting, property; and, in a word, of seeking and obtaining happiness. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by this state on account of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, or sexual orientation.”

V. That the secretary of state shall print the question to be submitted on a separate ballot or on the same ballot with other constitutional questions. The ballot containing the question shall include 2 squares next to the question allowing the voter to vote “Yes” or “No.” If no cross is made in either of the squares, the ballot shall not be counted on the question. The outside of the ballot shall be the same as the regular official ballot except that the words “Questions Relating to Constitutional Amendments proposed by the 2014 General Court” shall be printed in bold type at the top of the ballot.

VI. That if the proposed amendment is approved by 2/3 of those voting on the amendment, it becomes effective when the governor proclaims its adoption.