Concord, NH (AHN) - Gay unions are now recognized
in New Hampshire. At the stroke of midnight on Dec.
31, the law allowing civil unions between gay and
lesbian couples became effective. Hours after the law
took effect, 37 gay couples entered into civil unions at
an outdoor ceremony amid below freezing
temperatures.
The civil union ceremonies took place at the New
Hampshire Statehouse where the law was adopted
and signed in 2007.
But the law will certainly stoke some fire from
opposition, principally from conservative groups.
Karen Testerman, executive director of the New
Hampshire advocacy group Cornerstone Policy
Research, said many state residents question if
allowing people of the same sex to enter into civil
unions is the right thing to do.
New Hampshire is the fourth state to permit civil
unions, but the first to do it without a court decision or
the threat of one. New Hampshire Governor John
Lynch signed the law on May, which grants same-sex
couples the same rights, responsibilities and
obligations as married male-female couples, but it
does not call the union a marriage.
