WATCH: Kelly Ayotte Attacks NH Marriage Equality Law, Says She Believes “In Marriage As Between a Man and a Woman”

WATCH: Kelly Ayotte Attacks NH Marriage Equality Law, Says She Believes “In Marriage As Between a Man and a Woman”

Footage has resurfaced of former U.S. Senator and Republican candidate for governor Kelly Ayotte advocating against New Hampshire’s own marriage equality law.

 In the video, then-Senate candidate Ayotte claimed, “I absolutely support and believe in marriage as between a man and a woman. And I do think it’s unfortunate that our state has made a different decision on that.” 

Ayotte also cheered on efforts to roll back protections for LGBTQ+ Granite Staters after they became law, claiming she “commend[s]” candidates taking “efforts to repeal that law” in New Hampshire, and offered to “help with any effort” to repeal the law. Ayotte also reiterated her opposition to repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which barred the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. She would continue to oppose the repeal of DOMA as a U.S. Senator.

As New Hampshire’s attorney general, Ayotte opposed requiring employers to provide benefits to gay couples, and in the Senate, criticized the Department of Justice for granting equal rights to gay couples. Ayotte also opposed allowing gay couples to adopt children or marry, despite both being legal in New Hampshire.

“Throughout her career, Kelly Ayotte has repeatedly campaigned against marriage equality and even cheered for its repeal. Why should LGBTQ+ Granite Staters trust her now as governor?” said DGA States Press Secretary Emma O’Brien. “Today, Granite Staters can take pride in knowing that their state was one of the first to protect the freedom to marry, but with Kelly Ayotte in the corner office, there’s no knowing which of their most fundamental rights will be the first to come under attack.”

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