Gay Marriage Bill Stalls in NH

New Hampshire’s same-sex marriage bill is back in limbo, WMUR reports. In a surprise move, the state House rejected the measure because of an amendment proposed by the governor to protect clergy whose beliefs preclude them from marrying gays. The measure isn't dead, however. The House voted to try to negotiate a compromise with the Senate, which already passed the legislation. It would make New Hampshire the sixth state to legalize gay marriage.

“I don’t know why this thing is in such a rush and why it hasn’t had more attention put to it,” says a Republican representative who opposes both the amendment and the original bill. (More New Hampshire stories.)