CONCORD -- Gay couples across the state would gain the explicit right to adopt children together under a bill being proposed to end discrepancies in how each country handles such requests.

The state's existing adoption law allows children to be adopted by married couples or single adults. Gay individuals can adopt children, but same-sex couples can adopt only in certain counties because probate judges interpret the law differently.

Six counties -- Belknap, Carroll, Coos, Rockingham, Strafford and Sullivan -- have allowed same-sex couples to adopt.

Probate judges in the other four -- Merrimack, Hillsborough, Cheshire and Grafton -- have not. Judges in those counties have said the language of the law does not apply to same-sex couples because they cannot legally marry in New Hampshire.

In one Merrimack County case, two Concord women were denied in their attempt to both become the legal parents of their daughter. Betsy Peabody, who gave birth to the girl, wanted her partner of 14 years, Dianne Harhigh, to adopt their daughter, but Judge Richard Hampe said the best he could offer was dual guardianship. At the end of their case, both the women and Hampe agreed on one issue: The Legislature should clarify the law.

Seeking to do just that, Rep. Frank Tupper, D-Canterbury, is co-sponsoring a bill that would allow unmarried couples to adopt a child if they live together and share financial obligations, such as rent or mortgage.

"If two loving adults have proven they are in a committed fiscal relationship ... good Lord, give the child a two-parent home," said Tupper.

Rep. Elizabeth Blanchard, D-Concord, co-sponsored the bill because she considered it a "no brainer."

"If one person in the household can adopt a child, there is no reason they can't both adopt."

Blanchard said the only criticism she has heard came by e-mail as a letter expressing support for "traditional" families of one mother and one father.

Judge David King, administrative judge of the state's probate courts, said Hampe has read the proposal to ensure that it would sufficiently clarify the issue.