On Wednesday afternoon the New Hampshire Legislature passed a bill allowing gay couples to marry and Gov. John Lynch signed the bill into law.

The state will not require religious organizations to perform gay marriages, a stipulation that Gov. Lynch asked for and received after much wrangling. The law takes effect on January 1, 2009. New Hampshire is the sixth state to legalize gay marriage, and follows Vermont and Maine in allowing the marriage through legislation. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa legalized gay marriage as a result of court decisions. Dartmouth.com has more on the history of the legislation.

“Today we’re standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear they will receive the same rights, responsibilities and respect under New Hampshire law… It is my hope and my belief that New Hampshire will once again come together to embrace tolerance and respect and to stand against discrimination,” Lynch said.