NH Legislature Approves Gay Marriage
New Hampshire governor signs gay marriage law
The New Hampshire Legislature approved revisions to a same-sex marriage bill on Wednesday. If Gov. John Lynch signs the measure into law, the state will become the fifth in New England and the sixth nationally to allow same-sex marriage.
Lawmakers have been working on the bill for months; gay-rights supporters hope the latest changes will ensure it becomes law. The changes further emphasize that by legalizing gay marriage, the state will not impinge on the religious freedom of those who do not believe in it. Mr. Lynch, a Democrat, has indicated he approves of the latest revisions.
As originally passed, the bill exempted members of the clergy from having to perform same-sex weddings. At the request of Governor Lynch, the Legislature amended the bill to make clearer that religious opponents of same-sex marriage would not have to participate in ceremonies celebrating it. But the House narrowly rejected that language on May 20, and legislative leaders appointed a conference committee to negotiate more palatable changes.
The changes include a sentence that states, “Each religious organization, association, or society has exclusive control over its own religious doctrine, policy, teachings and beliefs regarding who may marry within their faith."
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New Hampshire's governor has signed legislation making the state the sixth to allow gay marriage.
Gov. John Lynch was Surrounded by cheering supporters of the move as he signed the three bills about an hour after the key vote on the legislation in the House.
The law will take effect in January, exactly two years after the state legalized civil unions. New Hampshire joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa in recognizing same-sex marriages, though opponents hope to overturn Maine's law with a public vote.
Lynch demanded - and got - language protecting the rights of religious opponents of gay marriage before signing the bills.
source
:)
The New Hampshire Legislature approved revisions to a same-sex marriage bill on Wednesday. If Gov. John Lynch signs the measure into law, the state will become the fifth in New England and the sixth nationally to allow same-sex marriage.
Lawmakers have been working on the bill for months; gay-rights supporters hope the latest changes will ensure it becomes law. The changes further emphasize that by legalizing gay marriage, the state will not impinge on the religious freedom of those who do not believe in it. Mr. Lynch, a Democrat, has indicated he approves of the latest revisions.
As originally passed, the bill exempted members of the clergy from having to perform same-sex weddings. At the request of Governor Lynch, the Legislature amended the bill to make clearer that religious opponents of same-sex marriage would not have to participate in ceremonies celebrating it. But the House narrowly rejected that language on May 20, and legislative leaders appointed a conference committee to negotiate more palatable changes.
The changes include a sentence that states, “Each religious organization, association, or society has exclusive control over its own religious doctrine, policy, teachings and beliefs regarding who may marry within their faith."
----
New Hampshire's governor has signed legislation making the state the sixth to allow gay marriage.
Gov. John Lynch was Surrounded by cheering supporters of the move as he signed the three bills about an hour after the key vote on the legislation in the House.
The law will take effect in January, exactly two years after the state legalized civil unions. New Hampshire joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa in recognizing same-sex marriages, though opponents hope to overturn Maine's law with a public vote.
Lynch demanded - and got - language protecting the rights of religious opponents of gay marriage before signing the bills.
source
:)