Same-sex marriage advances in N.H.

CONCORD, N.H., March 27 (UPI) -- The New Hampshire House of Representatives voted Thursday to legalize same-sex marriage, although the bill appears unlikely to become law.

The bill originally failed by one vote and then passed 186-179 after several legislators changed their minds, The New York Times reported. Gov. John Lynch appears likely to veto the measure if it passes the state Senate.

In neighboring Vermont, Gov. Jim Douglas said Thursday he will veto a similar bill that passed by the state Senate if it clears the House.

Connecticut and Massachusetts are the only states where same-sex couples can marry. In both states, the decision was made by the state's highest court.

In California, the state Supreme Court is considering the fate of Proposition 8, a voter approved referendum that reversed the court's ruling that laws banning same-sex marriage violated the state constitution.

Maine, Rhode Island and New York are expected to consider legislation in the next few months, USA Today reported.