Connecticut Same-Sex
Couples Seek
Marriage Rights
From
christianpost.com on the Web, July 30, 2005
After the approval of same-sex civil
unions in Connecticut earlier this year, some couples are not satisfied and are
seeking full marriage rights.
In April, Connecticut became the first state to approve same-sex civil unions
without being prompted by a court order. Vermont also allows same-sex
civil unions and Massachusetts recognizes same-sex marriage, but in both states,
the actions followed court rulings.
The bill gives same-sex couples nearly all marriage benefits and privileges,
stopping short of granting marriage licenses. Now, some couples argue that
the new law should also allow marriage.
A brief was filed on Thursday in the New Haven Superior Court, arguing on behalf
of eight couples seeking full marriage rights. Attorneys for the couples
say that the civil union law is proof that the state has no reason to deny
marriage to same-sex couples.
Some opponents of same-sex marriage were not surprised, saying that they had
warned legislators all along that the civil unions bill was an attempt to
undermine state marriage laws and gain footing to push for same-sex marriage in
the courts.
Republican Governor M. Jodi Rell had signed the bill with the assurance that
“emphatically, unequivocally, without any doubt, this law in no way would permit
same-sex marriages in Connecticut.” Legislators had added language to the
bill that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who will represent the Department of Public
Health in the case, insisted that the civil unions law will not lead to same-sex
marriages. The state’s definition of marriage complies with state and
federal laws, said Blumenthal.
However, many same-sex couples feel that civil unions are an inadequate
substitute for marriage and will hold out for more. The new law takes
effect on October 1.
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