NH moves a step closer to allowing gay marriage with state Senate vote

NH moves a step closer to allowing gay marriage

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire is a step closer to allowing gay marriage after a state Senate vote.

A bill the Senate passed Wednesday would have gone to Gov. John Lynch, but senators changed the version that passed the House.

The changes include a provision that makes a distinction between religious and civil ceremonies and would allow churches to decide whether they will marry same-sex couples. The House rejected a similar proposal during its debate on the bill.

Lynch has said he believes the word “marriage” should be reserved for a man and a woman. He hasn’t said he would veto the bill.

If the bill becomes law, New Hampshire would be the fifth state to allow gay marriage. A defeat would frustrate activists’ efforts to extend gay marriage to all of New England.