June 3, 2009
New Hampshire Gov John Lynch signed into law same-sex marriage.
NH 6th state behind Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and Maine.
4/29/09: Senate 13–11 and 3/26 House 186-179 needed amendment
5/6/09 Senate 13-11 and House 178-167 let religions decide for themselves
5/20/09 Senate 14-10 and House 188-186 sent it back to committee
6/3/09: Senate 14-10 and House 198-176 passed
Goes into effect Jan. 1, 2010.
GOV LYNCH: (full statement)
Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear that they will receive the same rights, responsibilities – and respect – under New Hampshire law.
Today, we are also standing up for religious liberties.
This legislation makes clear that we understand that certain faiths do not recognize same-sex marriage, and it protects them from having to participate in marriage-related activities that violate their fundamental religious principles.
With the signing of this legislation today, New Hampshire will have taken every action possible to ensure that all families have equal rights to the extent that is possible under state law.
Most families in New Hampshire will awaken tomorrow, go to work and to school, and feel no impact from what we have accomplished today.
But for some, they will awaken tomorrow knowing we have said to them that they are equal, that they have the same rights to live and to love as everyone else.
Today should not be considered a victory for some and a loss for others.
Today is a victory for all the people of New Hampshire, who I believe, in our own independent way, want tolerance for all
States allowing civil unions/same-sex-marriage/domestic partner
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