Conn. Expected to Adopt Civil Union Law

Connecticut’s legislature moved closer to legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples last week as a key panel approved a measure that could make Connecticut the second state to recognize gay unions through legislative action.

The Joint Judiciary Committee voted 25-13 to pass a bill that would give gay and lesbian couples the same state rights as married heterosexuals, except for the right to obtain a marriage license.

Proponents said the civil union measure has more bipartisan support among lawmakers than legalizing gay marriage, and stands a better chance of passing the House and Senate by early June, when the session ends.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell, a Republican, has not said whether she would sign the bill, saying she would study the precise wording if it comes to her desk. Rell has said she supports civil rights for same-sex couples but believes marriage is between a man and a woman.

Vermont lawmakers enacted the nation’s first civil union law for same-sex couples four years ago, following a ruling by the Supreme Court. Massachusetts’ high court legalized gay marriage last year.

Some gay rights advocates hailed the committee vote, but many expressed disappointment that the measure would not approve same-sex marriage. Anne Stanback, president of Love Makes a Family, said the legislation “would write second-class citizenship into our law.”

Opponents of gay marriage warned that if the bill becomes law, same-sex couples could go to the courts and argue that the Legislature intended to recognize gay marriage.

“My fear is that people will see this as a compromise and clearly it is not a compromise,” said Marie Hilliard, executive director of the Connecticut Catholic Conference. “This is same-sex marriage by another name.”

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Latest Comments

• March 2, 2005 at 10:22 am

  Big Insurance says:

  Hey Big-Ger, did I touch a nerve? Got you talkin' too! If you read my comments, you will see that I don't like the idea of civil marriage, and would prefer everyone be subject... read more
• March 1, 2005 at 2:15 am

  Mike says:

  No matter what one calls it, legal connection between two people should and must be recognized in an equal way by our government. After all, that's what we're supposed to be a... read more
• February 28, 2005 at 6:28 am

  Bigger Insurance says:

  Hey Big, You are rude and you obviously are a pole smoker. Cindy has made some intelligent comments about a fact that we as CT residents may have to deal with in the near futu... read more