a step forward

N.H. lawmakers approve civil unions

CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire lawmakers voted Thursday to authorize civil unions for gay couples and sent the bill to Gov. John Lynch, who announced last week that he would sign it.

Three other states already offer civil unions: New Jersey, Connecticut and neighboring Vermont. Massachusetts in 2004 became the only state to allow gay marriage.

The New Hampshire measure would start allowing civil unions Jan. 1.

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