Article: Governor of N.H. to sign bill on civil unions

CONCORD, N.H. -- Gov. John Lynch said Thursday he will sign legislation establishing civil unions for gay couples in New Hampshire.

"I believe it is a matter of conscience, fairness and preventing discrimination," Lynch told The Associated Press.

New Hampshire would become the fourth state to adopt civil unions, following Connecticut, Vermont and New Jersey. Massachusetts established gay marriage.

Lynch had previously declined to take a public position on civil unions, though he has supported expanding health benefits to same- sex partners of state workers. He came under fire from both sides for not weighing in -- especially after a delay last week of the Senate vote on the House-passed bill.

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