New Hampshire became the sixth state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage on Wednesday after Governor John Lynch signed a revised version of the bill.

A previous version of the bill had been sent back to lawmakers from Lynch after the governor requested more protections be inserted for religious organizations in the traditionally conservative state. After tweaking Lynch's language, both houses of the legislature approved the bill, and the governor signed it soon after.

"Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear that they will receive the same rights, responsibilities -- and respect -- under New Hampshire law," Lynch, a Democrat who says he personally opposes same-sex marriage, said in a statement.

Lynch said it is New Hampshire's way "to come down on the side of individual liberties and protections, and that tradition continues today."

The Senate approved the bill 14-10, and the House of Representatives passed it 198-176. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, includes language that exempts members of the clergy and religious organizations from having to perform or take part in same-sex marriages.

"Each religious organization, association, or society has exclusive control over its own religious doctrine, policy, teachings and beliefs regarding who may marry within their faith," the bill states.

Five states predated New Hampshire in legalizing same-sex marriage: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Iowa and Vermont. In New York, a bill introduced by Governor David Paterson that would legalize gay marriage has been passed by the State Assembly and now resides with the Senate. The bill's sponsors have said they will not open the bill to a vote unless they are sure it will pass. The Senate session, however, ends June 22, and the bill will die if not voted on by then. Rhode Island is now the sole New England state where same-sex marriage is not legal.

[Image: Jim Cole / AP]