Gov. wants protection in gay marriage bill

CONCORD, N.H., May 14 (UPI) -- New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch said Thursday he would sign legislation to legalize same-sex marriage as long as there are protections for religious objectors.

Lynch, a Democrat, also said he would require the bill to provide the "strongest and clearest" protection for individuals who don't wish to take part in gay marriages because of their religious beliefs, the Nashua (N.H.) Telegraph reported.

"If the Legislature passes this language, I will sign the same-sex marriage bill into law," Lynch was quoted by the newspaper as saying. "If the Legislature doesn't pass these provisions, I will veto it."

The Telegraph said the suggested change to the bill would only afford legal protection to individuals working directly for a religious organization or an entity that a religious group either owns or controls.

"Given the cultural, historical and religious significance of the word marriage, this is a meaningful change," Lynch said.