The state senate passed the bill by a vote of 14 to 10, and the house followed later with a vote of 198 to 176. Lynch immediately signed the bill, which included revisions he had insisted upon. The changes give protections from lawsuits for organizations that refuse to participate in same-sex ceremonies on religious grounds.

I still think the law will face a legal challenge soon on the grounds that employers will be able to legally discriminate against gay couples.

The new version, which is expected to come up for a vote Wednesday, adds a sentence specifying that all religious organizations, associations or societies have exclusive control over their religious doctrines, policies, teachings and beliefs on marriage. It also clarifies that church-related organizations that serve charitable or educational purposes are exempt from having to provide insurance and other benefits to same sex spouses of employees.

This may not seem like a big deal, but would any church ever be protected under law for refusing to insure the spouse of an employee who was in an inter-faith or inter-racial marriage simply because the church wants to discriminate?  I’m fine with exemptions that say churches don’t have to perform marriage ceremonies for gay couples, but–and I’m no lawyer–legalizing discrimination against employees based on sexual orientation can’t withstand a court challenge.  Appalling.

In New Hampshire, Gov. John Lynch — who previously defined marriage as strictly between a man and a woman — promised his “best decision” after consulting lawmakers and constituents. Mr. Lynch would be wise also to consult his neighbor in Maine, Gov. John Baldacci, who signed his state’s same-sex marriage bill. He previously had opposed the idea, with the familiar hedge of supporting the half-step of civil unions…

…This week, the City Council of the District of Columbia took a preliminary step, voting 12 to 1, to recognize marriages between gay people certified in other states. A fuller debate is anticipated on a proposal to legalize same-sex unions. Unfortunately, there already are calls for Congress to once more tread on home rule and block this progress in the nation’s capital.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is right to caution against such grandstanding. Governor Baldacci heard the people speak. Congress should listen.