''Today we're 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. But we are also standing up for religious liberties.''

Governor John Lynch who signed a bill Wednesday, June 3, that made New Hampshire the sixth American state to legally recognize marriage for gay men and lesbians. Lynch previously opposed same-sex marriages, but appeared to change his mind when it became apparent that the state legislature would pass a bill to extend marriage to gay men and women. Passage of the bill was in doubt when it was revised to offer exemptions for religious reasons. It will reportedly take effect on January 1, 2010. (Boston Globe)