Largest NH Paper Won't Print Gay Marriage Notices

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire's largest newspaper is defending its decision to refuse to publish marriage notices for gay couples.

New Hampshire is one of five states to have legalized gay marriage. Two men getting married in Portsmouth on Saturday wanted to publish a marriage notice in the Union Leader of Manchester but were refused.

The newspaper says it has a constitutional right to choose what to print and opposes the new law. Publisher Joe McQuaid says the paper isn't anti-gay but believes marriage is between a man and a woman.

Democratic Senate candidate Paul Hodes (HOHDZ') called on the paper to change its policy and respect the state law. He challenged Republican opponent Kelly Ayotte (AY'-aht) to denounce its decision.

An Ayotte spokesman says government officials have no business telling a free press what to do.