CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire legislators have approved a measure that would make the state the sixth to allow gay marriage.
Gov. John Lynch is expected to sign the legislation Wednesday afternoon.
He had promised a veto if the law didn't clearly spell out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate at gay marriages or provide other services.
The Senate passed the measure Wednesday, and the House followed later in the day. The House vote was 198-176.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa already allow gay marriage. Maine opponents hope to overturn that state's law with a public vote.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Senate has passed revised gay marriage legislation and sent it to the House.
If it passes there, Gov. John Lynch is expected to sign it into law later Wednesday. It would make New Hampshire the sixth state to allow gays to marry.
The bill would expand religious protections that Lynch says are needed to win his signature.
Lynch said he would veto gay marriage if the law didn't clearly spell out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate or provide other services.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa allow gay marriage. Maine opponents hope to overturn that state's law with a public vote.
by the associated press
Gov. John Lynch is expected to sign the legislation Wednesday afternoon.
He had promised a veto if the law didn't clearly spell out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate at gay marriages or provide other services.
The Senate passed the measure Wednesday, and the House followed later in the day. The House vote was 198-176.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa already allow gay marriage. Maine opponents hope to overturn that state's law with a public vote.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Senate has passed revised gay marriage legislation and sent it to the House.
If it passes there, Gov. John Lynch is expected to sign it into law later Wednesday. It would make New Hampshire the sixth state to allow gays to marry.
The bill would expand religious protections that Lynch says are needed to win his signature.
Lynch said he would veto gay marriage if the law didn't clearly spell out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate or provide other services.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa allow gay marriage. Maine opponents hope to overturn that state's law with a public vote.
by the associated press
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