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NH Legalizes Gay Marriage

Gov. Lynch expected to sign it today

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Jun 3, 2009 4:34 PM CDT

(Newser) – New Hampshire became the sixth state to allow same-sex marriage when Gov. John Lynch signed legislation this afternoon shortly after it was approved by lawmakers, the AP reports. Legislators hammered out a new version clearly spelling out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate at gay marriages or provide other services after Lynch threatened a veto.

The Senate passed the measure today, and the House of Representatives—where the outcome was more in doubt—followed later in the day. The House gallery erupted in cheers after the 198-176 vote. New Hampshire's law takes effect Jan. 1. Lynch, a Democrat, personally opposes gay marriage but decided to view the issue "through a broader lens."

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Lynch is expected to sign the revised gay marriage bill later today. (AP Photo)

The House of Representatives had earlier rejected wording the governor had proposed to protect religious groups. Today, it passed a compromise that the governor is expected to sign. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

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If you have no choice as to your sexual orientation, then you have to be protected and given the same opportunity for life, liberty, and happiness.
- Anthony DiFruscia, Republican representative

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 8 comments

Chudluv

Jun 4, 2009 12:32 PM CDT

I agree with the Governor...Take out the force to make Churches and other religious people marry same-sex people and what you have left is what? The Government performing marriages and licence them as they do now require. No matter if you were married in a church or standing on top of Mr Hood. Take God and Religion out of the argument what do you have let after sign that piece of paper your state gives you?

Forderon

Jun 4, 2009 8:05 AM CDT

Brilliant comment

inky

Jun 4, 2009 6:25 AM CDT

Why is it we marry in churches but divorce in courtrooms? Let's get the "God" out of marriage and make every union a civil one.

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Politics • Crime & Courts • US

religious right • gay rights • gay marriage • New Hampshire • John Lynch • state law

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NH Legalizes Gay Marriage