NH Clarifies Recognition of Gay Marriages Performed Out of State

The New Hampshire state House has sent the governor a bill that clarifies the law to recognize same-sex marriages that took place in other states prior to New Hampshire enacting its own marriage equality law.

The House voted 217-119 Wednesday to send the bill to Gov. Maggie Hassan, who supports same-sex marriage.

The bill makes it clear that New Hampshire recognizes same-sex marriages from the date of marriage. The bill also allows gay couples living in states that don't recognize gay marriage to come to New Hampshire, get married and the marriage will be recognized by New Hampshire.

Gay couples who entered into civil unions in other states could get married in New Hampshire without dissolving the civil unions.

The bill also changes the language of the state's law to include gender-neutral terminology.