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New Hampshire passes gay marriage New Hampshire passes gay marriage
(about 1 hour later)
Both houses of the US New Hampshire legislature have approved a bill allowing gay marriage in the state. The governor of New Hampshire has signed legislation making the US state the sixth to allow same-sex marriage.
If, as expected, the bill is approved by the state's governor, John Lynch, New Hampshire will become the sixth US state to permit same-sex marriage. John Lynch was surrounded by cheering supporters as he signed the three bills shortly after a key vote by both houses of the New Hampshire legislature.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa already allow it. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa already allow same-sex marriage.
An earlier bill was rejected by the state's House of Representatives after Governor Lynch added protections for religious groups. An earlier bill was rejected after Governor Lynch added protections for religious groups.
MomentumMomentum
Gay marriage is a controversial issue in the US.Gay marriage is a controversial issue in the US.
Many states have passed laws banning it.Many states have passed laws banning it.
But in north-eastern US states, support for gay marriage has recently begun to gain momentum.But in north-eastern US states, support for gay marriage has recently begun to gain momentum.
After a 2003 court ruling, gay marriage became legal in New Hampshire's neighbouring state of Massachusetts.After a 2003 court ruling, gay marriage became legal in New Hampshire's neighbouring state of Massachusetts.
A court ruling was also the trigger for the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Connecticut.A court ruling was also the trigger for the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Connecticut.
But in the other New England states of Vermont and Maine, gay marriage was legalised after bills were passed in the states' legislatures.But in the other New England states of Vermont and Maine, gay marriage was legalised after bills were passed in the states' legislatures.
Legislation to allow same-sex marriage is currently being considered in New York and New Jersey.Legislation to allow same-sex marriage is currently being considered in New York and New Jersey.