In a year when the grim state budget has at times seemed to be the only issue in New Hampshire politics, this week brings a change of pace: Cultural issues will take center stage at New Hampshire's State House.

In a special three-day session, House members will take on gay marriage, transgender rights, medicinal marijuana, the death penalty and more.

Lawmakers will take a break Wednesday to hear from Chief Justice John Broderick about the state of the judiciary, a speech that will review program changes and challenges as well as the budget woes that the judge has so frequently described this year.

Meanwhile, over in the Senate, Sen. Lou D'Allesandro will do his best to rustle up the two or three additional votes he needs to pass a gambling expansion bill, which he said could come up as early as this week.

As for the budget, the House Finance Committee wrapped up its public hearings last week and has been delving into the meat of the budget. So far, it's unclear what changes House lawmakers will make to Gov. John Lynch's wide-ranging proposal, which involves laying off as many as 300 state workers, closing the Laconia state prison as well as eight district courts and several liquor stores, and raising several taxes and fees.

Here's a look at some of the biggest issues of the year beyond the budget, what's happened so far and what's left to do.

Gay marriage and transgender rights

Two of the most-watched issues of the week: gay marriage and equal rights for transgender individuals.

Last week, the House Judiciary Committee deadlocked, 10-10, on a bill that would permit same-sex couples to marry in New Hampshire. Two years ago, the same committee paved the way for the law creating civil unions for same-sex couples.

Backers of the bill call it a simple equal-rights measure; opponents say it's a dangerous change to an old social institution.

The Judiciary Committee also deadlocked last week 10-10 on a bill that would add an individuals' transgender status to the state's nondiscrimination laws, along with other factors such as age, sex, national origin and race.

Proponents say it would prevent landlords and employers from discriminating against those born as one sex but who identify as the other, some of whom seek sex-change procedures. Opponents dubbed it the "bathroom bill" and claimed it would allow men to prowl women's restrooms.

Both bills will go to the House floor next week, likely Thursday, for what will likely be difficult floor fights.

Neither party has taken a formal position on either bill. Minority Leader Sherm Packard said he expects that the "vast majority of Republicans will be against" both bills. Majority Floor Leader Dan Eaton said the Democratic Party will likely leave those issues up to the consciences of members.

"I think those are issues that relate to an individual's personal beliefs, religious beliefs," he said. "Those are conscience issues."

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