Democratic legislative leaders hope to bring a compromise to a vote as early as June 3. If it passes, the bill and two already passed bills needed to implement equal marriage would be sent to Lynch for signature.

Rep. Jim Splaine, prime sponsor of the main equal marriage bill, said Thursday that advocates will use the next two weeks to educate lawmakers about the religious protections Lynch wants.

"The governor's made it clear he wants to stick to the core principles he's offered," said Splaine, D-Portsmouth. "We can do this."