Governor Signs Gay Marriage into Law

New Hampshire becomes the sixth state in the nation to pass same-sex marriage legislation.

It didn’t happen easily.

Initially, the governor refused to sign the legislation after the measure had passed the Senate and House.

He wanted to make it clear that religious organizations that opposed gay marriage wouldn’t have to participate in same-sex weddings.

Yesterday, the Legislature finally accepted the Lynch-proposed changes.

At the bill signing ceremony, despite any initial reservations the Governor may have had, he called on the federal government to follow the Granite State’s lead.

TAPE: Unfortunately the federal government does not extend the same rights and protections that New Hampshire provides same sex families. And that should change.

Opponents have begun discussing a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, and holding public referendums on the matter.

The law is slated to take effect January 1st, 2010.

For NHPR News, I’m DG.