Watch CBS News

Former NH Marine Advocates For Gay Marriage

CLAREMONT, N.H. (CBS) -- A former Marine is working to keep Republicans in New Hampshire from repealing the gay marriage law with a full page ad in the Union Leader newspaper.

Craig Stowell says his 22-year-old brother Calvin is gay, and after he heard about two hearings to repeal gay marriage in New Hampshire on Thursday, he had to speak out.

The ad begins, "As a former Marine. I take freedom very seriously…"

Stowell says, "When I came back from Iraq, I married the woman of my dreams in my grandparents' back yard…. Calvin was my best man and I just hope one day I get to be his."

WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports.

Gay marriage became legal in New Hampshire in 2009 when Democrats controlled the legislature. Now Republicans are in control, and two Republican representatives have filed bills to repeal the law.

Governor John Lynch has said he would veto a repeal.

Republican House leaders say the hearings will be held tomorrow, but they will not vote on the bills until likely next year, because right now their priority is the budget crisis.

The newspaper ad was paid for by New Hampshire Freedom to Marry.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.