Gov. John Lynch signed a bill this morning that will legalize civil unions for gay couples beginning in January. “We in New Hampshire have had a long and proud tradition of taking the lead in opposing discrimination,” Lynch said as he signed the bill. “Today that tradition continues.”

Legislators who gathered for the bill signing packed the governor’s chambers and overflowed into an adjoining sitting room. They snapped photos and burst into applause as he signed.

“I’ve listened and I’ve heard all the arguments,” Lynch said. “I do not believe that this bill threatens marriage. I believe that this is a matter of conscience and fairness.”

Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson also attended the bill signing. He and his longtime partner plan to take advantage of civil unions.

New Hampshire is the first state to embrace same-sex unions without a court order or the threat of one. Connecticut was the first to adopt civil unions without a court order two years ago. A lawsuit challenging the state’s marriage law was pending, but legislators said they were not influenced by it.

Vermont, California, New Jersey, Maine and Washington also have laws allowing either civil unions or domestic partnerships, and Oregon will also join the list in January. Hawaii extends certain spousal rights to same-sex couples and cohabiting heterosexual pairs. Only Massachusetts allows same-sex couples to marry.

Couples entering civil unions will have the same rights, responsibilities, and obligations as married couples. Same-sex unions from other states would be recognized if they were legal in the state where they were performed.