N.H. bill blocks recognition of gay marriages

CONCORD, N.H. – Anticipating future moves into the state by gay couples married in neighboring Massachusetts, Gov. Craig Benson signed a bill Friday that blocks recognition of same-sex marriages performed by other states.

“New Hampshire’s new law says, ‘Stay in Massachusetts,’ ” said Beth McGuinn, a board member of the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition.

Gay marriages already are prohibited in New Hampshire. Many lawmakers feared the state would be forced to honor same-sex unions sanctioned in Massachusetts, where the Supreme Judicial Court gave gay couples the right to marry starting Monday.

The Senate had wanted to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman, but the House removed the definition and added a committee to look at what state laws need to be changed to allow civil unions. The Senate agreed to the changes last week.

Associated Press