Civil Unions in New Hampshire


The New Hampshire Senate on Thursday approved civil unions for same-sex couples by a vote of 14 Democrats in favor and 10 Republicans against. Governor John Lynch has already said he would sign the bill, which grants all the rights of married couples under state law.

The legislation had already been approved by the state House by a 243-129 vote on April 4. New Hampshire is the third state to grant marriage benefits to same-sex couples without being forced to do so by a court order.

Five states now offer marriage-like recognition to same-sex couples: Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, and Massachusetts (which is the only state to recognize same-sex marriage).

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has promised to introduce same-sex marriage legislation soon, according to the New York Times, but there is strong opposition to it in the legislature.

Posted: Friday - April 27, 2007 at 10:14 AM          

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