People could refuse to provide accommodations, goods or services to gay and lesbian couples getting married in New Hampshire under legislation being considered by the House.

The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing Tuesday, Jan. 24 on the bill that allows the practice if a business owner, an employee, or anyone else felt providing the services related to a marriage or its celebration would violate his or her conscience or religious faith. The bill also would bar lawsuits against people denying services to the couples.

Supporters touted the bill as a balance between freedom of religion and sexual orientation while opponents called it “codified discrimination.”

New Hampshire's marriage equality law already exempts churches and religious groups from being forced to officiate same-sex marriages or provide services to participants.