A proposal to establish civil unions for gay couples is expected to generate a lengthy and lively debate in the House on Wednesday. But one voice has been largely absent from that debate so far: that of Gov. John Lynch.

Lynch, a Democrat in his second term, has not said publicly how he feels about civil unions in general or the legislation now in the House. The bill would allow gays and lesbians to enter unions with "the same rights, responsibilities and obligations as married couples."

The civil unions bill looks likely to pass the House this week by a comfortable margin, and it is already gathering support in the Senate. But Lynch's views on civil unions are a mystery to many members of the Legislature.

In the past, Lynch has said he opposes outright gay marriage. The governor's spokesman, Colin Manning, would not say how Lynch felt about introducing same-sex civil unions in New Hampshire but would only say, "The governor supports strengthening families, and he's going to be talking to lawmakers about that."

Even the staunchest supporters of civil unions say they haven't spoken with Lynch about the bill, though most suspect he will support it if it reaches his desk.

"I would certainly welcome any statement from the governor between now and Wednesday - and thereafter - in support of this," said Rep. Dana Hilliard, a Somersworth Democrat who sponsored the civil unions bill.

"That would only help our cause in getting this through the Legislature and into law."

Lynch's reluctance to talk publicly on the issue is consistent with his low-key governing style. He typically allows an issue to work its way through the Legislature before he weighs in. But observers point to some of Lynch's past statements and actions in predicting that he will ultimately support a civil unions bill if it passes the Legislature.

As chairman of the University System of New Hampshire board of trustees, Lynch oversaw the extension of domestic partner benefits to university employees. And he has indicated that he would like to provide health care benefits to state workers' same-sex partners.

"I think John Lynch has made it clear that he wants equality for all New Hampshire citizens, but he cannot support marriage, or the word 'marriage,' " for gay couples, said Rep. Jim Splaine, a Portsmouth Democrat who's also a sponsor of the civil unions proposal.

Splaine said he would prefer that Lynch take a more public stance on the issue. "But I understand why he may not be on the forefront of this issue - yet. Society is slowly coming around to this, and there are still different opinions. It takes a lot for people to come around."

Fergus Cullen, chairman of the state Republican Party, criticized Lynch's failure to take a public position on civil unions.

"Lynch is afraid of this politically, and he tries to avoid stirring the pot," Cullen said. "He doesn't want to get into a big debate on social issues."

Cullen also criticized Democrats in the State House for "pushing a social agenda that was not part of their mandate in the election."

"No one campaigned on gay marriage in 2006," Cullen said. "Democrats are misreading the election results if they think voters wanted this."

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