New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, who almost derailed marriage equality in his state by demanding a set of (unnecessary) last-minute changes from the legislature, just brought the Granite State into the 21st century:
"Today we're standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear they will receive the same rights, resppnsibilities and respect under New Hampshire law," Lynch said this afternoon before signing the bill at about 5:20 p.m. [...]
Shortly after 4 p.m., the House voted 198-176 for the bill. The bill had been passed earlier in the day by the Senate.
Lynch said in mid-May that he would sign a bill legalizing same-sex unions as long as the Legislature made it clearer that religious groups would not be forced to conduct "marriage ceremonies that violate their fundamental religious beliefs [...]
In early May, Lynch reiterated his position that civil unions were best for the state. But two weeks later, he said his thinking had changed. He said society's views on civil rights have "constantly evolved and expanded" throughout our history. "That is what I believe we must do today."
Update: In regards to the changes necessary for the governor's "compromise":
The new version, which is expected to come up for a vote Wednesday, adds a sentence specifying that all religious organizations, associations or societies have exclusive control over their religious doctrines, policies, teachings and beliefs on marriage. It also clarifies that church-related organizations that serve charitable or educational purposes are exempt from having to provide insurance and other benefits to same sex spouses of employees. The earlier version said "charitable and educational" instead of "charitable or educational."
As I said, unnecessary. Churches can already decide who they marry and who they don't. You don't see many Mormon churches marrying Catholics, and vice-versa. An amendment allowing businesses and people to refuse to provide wedding services if it violated their religious beliefs was rejected, but that would've also been redundant.