CARNAL NATION

New Hampshire Governor John Lynch has announced that he will sign a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the state, but only if it's changed to include language stating more clearly that churches do not have to perform same-sex weddings. Lynch, a Democrat, has said in the past that he was personally opposed to same-sex marriage, but as the bill made its way through the New Hampshire legislature, he remained silent about what he would do if it came to his desk, prompting much discussion and speculation. As of right now, New Hampshire law allows same-sex civil unions. The bill would change the terminology to allow "civil marriages" for same-sex couples. (more)

In Lynch's official statement, he says:

I have heard, and I understand, the very real feelings of same-sex couples that a separate system is not an equal system. That a civil law that differentiates between their committed relationships and those of heterosexual couples undermines both their dignity and the legitimacy of their families.

I have also heard, and I understand, the concerns of our citizens who have equally deep feelings and genuine religious beliefs about marriage. They fear that this legislation would interfere with the ability of religious groups to freely practice their faiths....

I have examined the laws of other states, including Vermont and Connecticut, which have recently passed same-sex marriage laws. Both go further in protecting religious institutions than the current New Hampshire legislation.

This morning, I met with House and Senate leaders, and the sponsors of this legislation, and gave them language that will provide additional protections to religious institutions.

This new language will provide the strongest and clearest protections for religious institutions and associations, and for the individuals working with such institutions. It will make clear that they cannot be forced to act in ways that violate their deeply held religious principles.

If the legislature passes this language, I will sign the same-sex marriage bill into law. If the legislature doesn’t pass these provisions, I will veto it.

Five other states have legalized same-sex marriage, with New York teetering on the edge.

Related stories on CarnalNation:

• New Hampshire House Votes to Legalize Gay Marriage
• Gay Marriage & Transgender Rights: "Inexpedient to Legislate"
• NH Senate Passes Gay Marriage Bill
• NH Governor & Gay Marriage: Will He or Won't He?