N.H. governor to sign bill allowing civil unions

CONCORD, N.H. - Gov. John Lynch told The Associated Press on Thursday he will sign legislation establishing civil unions in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire thus will become the fourth state to adopt civil unions and the first to do so without first having a court fight over denying gays the right to marry.

"I believe it is a matter of conscience, fairness and preventing discrimination," Lynch said in an interview.

The Senate votes on the bill next week, and Lynch said he is confident it will pass. It would authorize civil unions beginning next year.