As promised, Governor John Lynch has just signed a marriage equality bill into law, making New Hampshire the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. Earlier today, the bill passed the both the state Senate (14-10) and the House of Representatives (198-176) before going to the Governor’s desk. Read Governor Lynch’s full statement below:

New Hampshire’s great tradition has always been to come down on the side of individual liberties and protections.

That tradition continues today.

Two years ago in this room, I signed civil unions into law. That law gave same-sex couples in New Hampshire the rights and protections of marriage. And while civil unions was recognized as a step forward, many same-sex couples made compelling arguments that a separate system is not an equal system.

They argued that what might appear to be a minor difference in wording to some, lessened the dignity and legitimacy of their families.

At the same time, the word “marriage” has significant and religious connotations to many of our citizens.

They had concerns that this legislation would interfere with the ability of religious groups to freely practice their faiths.

Today, we are 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.

Today, we are also standing up for religious liberties. This legislation makes clear that we understand that certain faiths do not recognize same-sex marriage, and it protects them from having to participate in marriage-related activities that violate their fundamental religious principles.

With the signing of this legislation today, New Hampshire will have taken every action possible to ensure that all families have equal rights to the extent that is possible under state law.

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

Here in New Hampshire, this debate has been filled with passion and emotion on both sides.

Two years ago, after an equally passionate debate, the people of New Hampshire embraced civil unions as a natural part of New Hampshire’s long tradition of opposing discrimination.

It is my hope, and my belief, that New Hampshire will again come together to embrace tolerance and respect, and to stand against discrimination.

That has how we in New Hampshire have always lived our lives and that is how we will continue as we move forward.

Most families in New Hampshire will awaken tomorrow, go to work and to school, and feel no impact from what we have accomplished today.

But for some, they will awaken tomorrow knowing we have said to them that they are equal, that they have the same rights to live and to love as everyone else.

Today is a day to celebrate in New Hampshire. Today should not be considered a victory for some and a loss for others.

Today is a victory for all the people of New Hampshire, who I believe, in our own independent way, want tolerance for all.

That is truly the New Hampshire way.

As requested, the new law contains additional language to protect religious organizations and institutions. Though many are still not satisfied.

The law goes into effect Jan 1, 2010.

The New Hampshire House of Representatives  followed in the footsteps in the Senate approving an ammended gay marriage bill by a margin of 178-167.

The bill now goes to to the desk of Governor John Lynch, who has  said previously that the word marriage should be reserved only for a union between a man and a woman.

Governor Lynch from the Union Leader:

“I have a responsibility as governor to do what I think is best for the people of New Hampshire. I will continue to talk with the Legislature and with the people of New Hampshire about that bill.”
…

“We have been flooded with calls. People can’t even get through. The phone lines are basically jammed … I’m not going to be guided by the numbers of calls that come into the office. That will not have an impact on my decision.”

Add your voice to the flood by calling Governor Lynch’s office  at 603-271-2121.

Lot’s happening on the marriage equality front, not all of it bad…

As reported yesterday, Vermont Governor Jim Douglas held a press conference indicating he would not support a marriage equality bill passed overwhelming by the state Senate, citing that the current economic crisis took precedence over such legislation. Watch the press conference below:

Also yesterday, same-sex civil union legislation was effectively killed in Hawaii, despite a majority of Senators supporting the measure, falling three short of the nine members required to bring it up for a full vote.

But there was good news in New Hampshire today as their House of Representatives voted to send their same-sex marriage bill to the Senate by a slim margin of 186-179.

The Rev. V. Gene Robinson, who delivered the invocation at President Obama’s inaugural celebration said this about the House vote…

“I am delighted, because it’s clear to me that New Hampshire values one class of citizenship and not two … And I’m delighted that (the bill) threatens people of faith in no way.”

Unfortunately New Hampshire governor John Lynch, a Democrat, does not support the measure, and will likely veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.