Same Sex Couples Celebrate New Year

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - About 20 same-sex couples are planning to
celebrate the New Year on the steps of the New Hampshire Statehouse
tonight, where they will be joined in civil unions.
At one minute after midnight a new law goes into effect, making
New Hampshire the fourth state to legalize civil unions.
Snow and freezing temperatures are expected, but Jennifer Major,
who helped organize the group ceremony, says the festivities,
including live music and poetry readings, will go ahead.
At the bill signing in May, Governor John Lynch called civil
unions a matter of conscience, saying same-sex couples should not
be denied basic legal protections. The new law says civil unions
will provide same-sex couples with the rights, responsibilities and
obligations of marriage, but not the name.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)