After both the New Hampshire House of Representatives and Senate of New Hampshire voted to legalize same-sex marriages, the state's Governor, John Lynch signed the legislation on June 3, www.nytimes.com informs.

This makes New Hampshire the sixth state in the United States to legalize same-sex marriages. The other five states are Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont.

“[I heard] compelling arguments that a separate system is not an equal system. Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear that they will receive the same rights, responsibilities — and respect — under New Hampshire law,” said Lynch after signing the bill.

The bill passed in the Senate with 14 in favor and 10 against. The state's House voted hours later in favor of the bill, 198 in favor and 176 against.

An earlier version of the bill failed to pass the House because it did not clarify enough rights to religious institutions, as the members of the House explained.

According to the new bill, religious organizations and members of the clergy will not be required to perform same-sex marriages.

“Each religious organization, association, or society has exclusive control over its own religious doctrine, policy, teachings and beliefs regarding who may marry within their faith,” says the bill.

The law will take effect beginning on January 1, 2010. It also states that any couples in a same-sex union may convert their union to a marriage beginning on that date and will automatically be considered married as of 2011.

Legislation to allow same-sex marriage is currently being considered in New York and New Jersey.

On June 8, the Ithaca Town Board (in the state of New York) voted unanimously to support a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state. The board approved a corresponding resolution, as www.theithacajournal.com announces.

“New Yorkers should have the right to get married in their own state, in the presence of their own friends and families, without having to travel to neighboring states and provinces,” the resolution states.