Governor Signs 'Fair and Equal' Marriage Law

Gov. Maggie Hassan has signed a bill into law that ensures recognition of civil unions and marriages for same-sex couples.

The intent of the bill – whose sponsors included Sen. Bette Lasky (D-Nashua) and Sen. Martha Fuller Clark (D-Portsmouth) – was to clarify New Hampshire statutes with respect to marriages. It recognizes marriages in other states from the date of solemnization.

Hassan issued a statement after signing it into law:

"As the number of states with marriage equality continues to rise and courts across the country issue rulings that advance the cause of equality, it is critical that the law in New Hampshire works for all legally married couples who have moved or are seeking to move here. By clarifying our marriage equality law to recognize an out-of-state marriage or civil union as of the date it was legally contracted, SB 394 helps ensure that all married couples in New Hampshire receive the fair and equal treatment under the law that they deserve. 

"Marriage equality in New Hampshire signals to everyone that we are a welcoming state. Granite Staters understand that encouraging and supporting strong marriages for all loving couples strengthens our families and our communities. I thank the bipartisan group of legislators, including all 24 members of the Senate, for passing this common-sense measure, and I am proud to reinforce New Hampshire’s status as a leader in the march toward full marriage equality and inclusion by signing SB 394 into law."