Civil unions OK in New Hamshire

The New Hampshire legislature voted Thursday to allow civil unions between homosexual couples, according to msnbc.com.

New Hampshire joins three other Northeast states that allow civil unions: New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont. Massachusetts is the only state in the country that allows gay marriage.

A spokesman for Gov. John Lynch said "The legislation is a matter of conscience, fairness and preventing discrimination. It is in keeping with New Hampshire's proud tradition of preventing discrimination."

This decision is a totally different view than New Hampshire has had on gay unions in the past. A study conducted a few years ago concluded that there was no need for the state to even consider the issue. However, the panel conducting the study concluded that homosexuality was indeed a choice, and therefore civil unions should be recognized, but that there should be constitutional limits. Gays in the state cannot be legally married.

The legislation passed 14-10 along party lines. The unions will be recognized Jan. 1, 2008.