N.H. becomes sixth state where gays can marry

Lynch said in mid-May that he would sign a bill legalizing same-sex unions as long as the Legislature made it clearer that religious groups would not be forced to conduct "marriage ceremonies that violate their fundamental religious beliefs."

Lynch said at the bill signing ceremony that the Legislature had amended the bill so that it met his concerns.

When Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004, New Hampshire seemed unlikely to follow. Republicans had enjoyed virtually uninterrupted control of both houses of the Legislature since the late 19th century.

But in 2006, Granite State voters unseated a pair of GOP congressmen amid rising upopularity for the Iraq war and the presidency of George W. Bush. The voters also swept Democratic majorities into the State House. A few months later, the new Legislature approved civil unions.

In early May, Lynch reiterated his position that civil unions were best for the state. But two weeks later, he said his thinking had changed. He said society's views on civil rights have "constantly evolved and expanded" throughout our history. "That is what I believe we must do today."

Lynch said at the bill signing ceremony that he hoped that despite passionate debate about the issue, citizens would respect each other as they had after the civil union law was passed.

"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," he said.

"Today is a victory for all the people of New Hampshire who, I believe, in our own independent way, want tolerance for all. That's truly the New Hampshire way," he said.

The law will go into effect on Jan. 1.

Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.