CONCORD, N.H., April 26 (UPI) -- New Hampshire lawmakers Thursday approved a measure legalizing civil unions between gay and lesbian couples.
The Nashua Telegraph said the final vote was 14-10, with all Democrats supporting the bill and all Republicans opposing it.
Gov. John Lynch has said he will sign the measure.
"This legislation is a matter of conscience, fairness and of preventing discrimination," the governor's communications director Colin Manning told the newspaper. "It is in keeping with New Hampshire's proud tradition of preventing discrimination, and Gov. Lynch will sign it into law."
The bill, which will take effect Jan. 1 if signed into law, will allow gays and lesbians over age 18 to form civil unions. It will recognize civil unions from other states, the newspaper said.
