Gay Marriage

Gay Marriage was legalized in New Hampshire back in 2009 by HB436. This bill eliminated the exclusion of same gender couples from marriage, affirmed religious freedom protections of clergy with regard to the solemnization of marriage, and provides a mechanism by which same gender couples who have entered into a civil union prior to the enactment of this bill could obtain the legal status of marriage (assuming that parties are 18 years old).

Equal Access to Marriage. Marriage is the legally recognized union of 2 people. Any person who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of this chapter may marry any other eligible person regardless of gender. Each party to a marriage shall be designated “bride,” “groom,” or “spouse.”

While doing this, the same bill affirms the first amendment rights of those who do not wish to officiate such a wedding.

Members of the clergy as described in RSA 457:31 or other persons otherwise authorized under law to solemnize a marriage shall not be obligated or otherwise required by law to officiate at any particular civil marriage or religious rite of marriage in violation of their right to free exercise of religion protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or by part I, article 5 of the New Hampshire constitution.

Looking for a church to help you get gay married? Check out Christianity in New Hampshire.