Concord, N.H., Jun 4, 2009 / 16:10 pm
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch on Wednesday afternoon signed a bill to legalize same-sex “marriage” in the state. In response, the Bishop of Manchester expressed “deep disappointment” and concern that those who treasure marriage have been “marginalized” by the positioning of the issue as a “civil rights” matter.
The bill had been held up after disputes over religious freedom protections.
Gov. Lynch, a Democrat, had previously expressed opposition to same-sex “marriage,” and at the signing of the bill, said he “personally opposes” the practice.
The law establishes civil and religious marriage licenses and allows each party to a marriage to be identified as bride, groom or spouse. Same-sex couples already in civil unions will be assumed to have a “civil marriage,” the Associated Press says.
The governor had required that religious freedom protections be added to a bill previously passed by the legislature. The religious freedom protections contained in the newly-approved law consist of one sentence saying that church-related organizations that serve charitable or educational purposes are exempt from having to provide insurance and other benefits to same-sex “spouses” of employees.