New Hampshire's House of Representativespassed a bill Wednesday to allow civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, placing the state in line to become fourth in the country to allow such relationships. The large Democratic majority in the House propelled the 243-129 vote, but Democrats hold only a narrow majority in the state Senate. Experts believe that the bill will pass there as well, but it must also be approved by New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, a Democrat who opposes gay marriage and has not publicly indicated if he will sign the bill into law. Lynch's press secretary told Reuters that the governor will discuss the bill with lawmakers before taking any action.

Last month, Washington's State Senate passed a domestic partnership bill, but that state's governor has indicated more enthusiasm about signing it into law.