Introducing the sixth state to legalize gay marriage! ... Well, soon. Maybe.

Yup. The governor of New Hampshire, John Lynch, said he would agree to sign a same-sex marriage bill if it reached his office, rendering gay nuptials legal in the state – though only if it was reworded somewhat as to exempt any religious groups, organizations or services from having to perform the weddings should they not wish to in accordance to their religious beliefs.

The bill, which won final legislative approval last week, already exempts clergy members from having to perform same-sex weddings.

Mr. Lynch wants it to go further, exempting any religious group — and any person or nonprofit organization working for such a group — from having to participate in such ceremonies. Vermont and Connecticut included similar language in their recently enacted same-sex marriage bills.

Mr. Lynch also wants to protect any religious group, and anyone working for such a group, from having to provide gay couples with “religious counseling, programs, courses, retreats or housing designated for married individuals” if the services have to do with “the promotion of marriage.”

Meh. I've got nothing against allowing the religious to evade the marrying of gays and lesbians – their beliefs may be bigoted and stupid, but hey, they can follow them as long as they don't hurt anyone.

If enacted (and it likely will at this point), the law would enter effect only in January 2010. Not that gay and lesbian couples aren't already rejoicing, anyway.