N.H. is 6th state to allow gay marriage

CONCORD, N.H., June 3 (UPI) -- Gays will be able to get married in New Hampshire starting in the new year after Gov. John Lynch signed same-sex marriage legislation Wednesday.

Dozens of supporters looked on as the governor put his signature on the measures after an amendment was passed by the state Legislature earlier in the day, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported. The law takes effect Jan. 1.

The add-on bill approved Wednesday clarifies the rights of churches and their employees to refuse to take part in same-sex marriage ceremonies or celebrations.

New Hampshire will join Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa in recognizing gay marriage. Opponents of same-sex marriage in Maine are seeking to overturn that state's law through a referendum.

California briefly allowed gay marriage before the practice was banned by voters.