N.H. governor wants changes in marriage bill

CONCORD, N.H.—New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch said he will sign a bill to legalize same-sex marriage if protections for religious foes are strengthened.

Several key legislators endorsed the changes and said they’d work to make them law.

The bill would make New Hampshire the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage. It has been passed by the Legislature, but hasn’t yet reached Lynch’s desk.

It would allow churches to decide whether they will conduct religious marriages for same-sex couples. But Lynch said Thursday he wants clearer language to ensure that people won’t be forced to violate their religious principles. He says laws in Connecticut and Vermont do that.

The only other New England state not committed to recognizing same-sex marriage is Rhode Island. It’s also legal in Iowa.