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Recent advances for same-sex marriage have raised important issues concerning religious liberty. The four New England states (Con necticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont) that recently recognized same-sex marriage have all had to consider how broadly to protect churches, organizations and individuals that object to participating in or facilitating such marriages. A national TV ad against gay marriage sounded alarms about religious liberty and triggered parodies from gay rights groups (and Stephen Colbert).

New Hampshire became the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage as Governor John Lynch signed a bill rewritten slightly by lawmakers to ensure that religious organizations and their employees would not be forced to participate in same-sex wedding ceremonies.

Lynch, a Democrat, who called for the exemption, said after the signing June 3 that the state was “standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples.” The law will become effective January 1, two years after the Granite State began recognizing civil unions.

Governor John Baldacci signed legislation May 6 that makes Maine the fifth U.S. state to allow same-sex marriages, and only the second to approve the unions without the threat of a court order.

Maine now joins Vermont, Massa chusetts, Connecticut and Iowa in permitting same-sex marriage. Lawmakers in neighboring New Hampshire have also taken steps toward approving same-sex marriage, but Governor John Lynch has not said whether he will sign or veto the bill.