N.H. Governor Says He Would Back Gay Unions
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
CONCORD, N.H. — Governor Lynch said yesterday that he would sign legislation establishing civil unions for gay couples in New Hampshire.
“I believe it is a matter of conscience, fairness, and preventing discrimination,” Mr. Lynch told the Associated Press.
New Hampshire would become the fourth state to adopt civil unions, following Connecticut, Vermont, and New Jersey. Massachusetts established gay marriage.
Mr. Lynch had previously declined to take a public position on civil unions, though has supported expanding health benefits to same-sex partners of state workers. He came under fire from both sides for not weighing in — especially after a delay last week of the Senate vote on the House-passed bill.
The Senate votes next week, and Mr. Lynch said he is confident the legislation will pass. It would authorize civil unions beginning next year.
