New Hampshire gay marriage bill stalls

CONCORD, N.H., May 20 (UPI) -- New Hampshire lawmakers sidetracked legislation that would legalize same-sex marriages, saying they need more time to consider the ramifications.

The House voted Wednesday to send the measure to committee, which will delay it from reaching the floor.

WMUR-TV, Concord, said the hang-up involved an amendment sought by Gov. John Lynch beefing up legal protections for churches that do not want to participate in homosexual marriages. Critics said special protections were not needed because of constitutional protections.