Governor Lynch Holds the Fate of Marriage Equality in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire House of Representatives has approved an amended bill to permit lesbians and gays to marry in the state. The bill now heads to Governor John Lynch’s desk. From the Union Leader:

House Bill 436, which extends the state’s marriage laws to include couples of any sex, won House approval by a vote of 178-167. The bill’s wording differs from the version the House passed in March, but its effect is basically the same.

“Any person … may marry any other eligible person regardless of gender,” the bill states.

Gov. Lynch now has the final say on gay marriage. He did not reveal his next move when speaking with reporters. He has said that he thinks the word marriage should be reserved for a union between a man and a woman.

Today, he said, “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.”

You may remember that the NH House passed a bill back in March. Today’s bill reflects the changes made in the bill passed by the NH Senate last week.

That’s the second equality bill sent to a governor’s desk in two days. Progress indeed.

The ball’s in your court, Governor Lynch.