NH Gov Wants Tweaks to Gay Marriage Bill

The fate of New Hampshire’s same-sex marriage bill hinges upon giving protection to religious groups opposing the law, the Union Leader reports. Gov. John Lynch says he’ll sign the law if legislators include his suggested changes to clearly state that religious groups can’t be forced to violate their principles and perform the marriages. If that’s not incorporated, Lynch says he will veto the measure.

“At its core, the bill simply changes the term ‘civil union’ to ‘civil marriage,’” the Democrat said in a statement. “I understand the very real feelings of same-sex couples that a separate system is not an equal system. That a civil law that differentiates between their committed relationships and those of heterosexual couples undermines both their dignity and the legitimacy of their families.” (More John Lynch stories.)