New Hampshire becomes sixth state to legalize gay marriage

Source: Wikipedia

On Wednesday afternoon, the New Hampshire Legislature passed and Gov. John Lynch signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in that state. New Hampshire is now the sixth state to legalize marriage for gays and lesbians and the fourth to do so via legislation. Iowa, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut have all legalized same-sex marriage.

“Today we’re standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear they will receive the same rights, responsibilities and respect under New Hampshire law,” Lynch said. “It is my hope and my belief that New Hampshire will once again come together to embrace tolerance and respect and to stand against discrimination.”

“With Gov. Lynch signing legislation passed by the state Senate and House, New Hampshire has become the latest state to recognize that loving, committed couples, and their families, should receive equal dignity and respect under the law,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese in a press release. “No religious institution will have to recognize any marriage under this law, as the language proposed by Gov. Lynch and agreed to by the legislature made abundantly clear.”