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Connecticut
The past few years in Connecticut have seen various advances towards the freedom to marry for same-sex couples and their families. In 2005, Connecticut's state legislature passed civil unions without being prompted by a court decision, a first in the country. Although civil unions are not equal to marriage, they do offer some greatly needed protections and responsibilities to same-sex couples. In 2007, the fight for true equality continued when the Connecticut Legislature's Joint Judiciary Committee, by a vote of 27 to 15, passed a marriage equality bill and sent it to the full House, but then the bill was tabled. The legislature is expected to address marriage equality again in its next session.
The state is also awaiting a decision by the Connecticut Supreme Court in Kerrigan and Mock v. the CT Department of Public Health. The case was brought by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders on behalf of eight same-sex couples who seek to end marriage discrimination in Connecticut. Oral arguments in the case were heard by the Supreme Court in May, 2007, and a decision could come any day.
FROM EVAN WOLFSON:
"Marriage Makes a Word of
Difference"
Originally published by
Portland Mercury
June 14, 2007
By Evan Wolfson
Evan Wolfson answers the question so often asked of same-sex
couples wanting to end their exclusion from marriage, "Why
can't you just call it something else?," by explaining how
the "clarity, security, and dignity [of the word marriage] is
precious and irreplaceable."
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WHERE YOU CAN GO TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE:
Love Makes a Family
Love Makes a Family (LMF) is a statewide non-profit advocacy organization working for equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in Connecticut. They carry out their mission through community education, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy and lobbying.
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders: Connecticut
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) is New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression. GLAD brought the marriage equality case currently before the Connecticut Supreme Court, Kerrigan & Mock v. Connecticut Department of Public Health.
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LEGISLATIVE STATUS IN CONNECTICUT:
Your Community—Connecticut
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
HRC presents resources, news, and the current marriage and
relationship recognition laws in each state.
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THE NUMBERS: POLLING & STATISTICS:
More Connecticut voters agree with marriage equality (39%) than disagree (33%), while a large majority (72%) believe in equal access to legal rights of married couples. [Quinnipiac Poll, released 2/15/07]
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PUBLICATIONS:
Geographic Trends Among Same-Sex Couples in the U.S. Census and the
American Community Survey
Williams Institute
November 2007
Gary Gates at the Williams Institute released groundbreaking research
on the geographic trends among same-sex couples. The report finds the
biggest increases in Southern and Mountain states and states barring
legal acceptance of same-sex couples had larger percentage increases
in same-sex couples from 2000 to 2006.
Comparison Chart: Marriage v. Civil Unions v. No Marital Status
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
October 17, 2006
GLAD answers the question 'What's the difference?' by breaking down the specific differences between marriage, civil unions, and no marital status in an accessible one page chart.
Marriage is More Than a Word
Love Makes a Family
Love Makes a Family explains why marriage is more than just a word and how civil unions have numerous limitations.
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NEWS:
View news about the fight for the freedom to marry in Connecticut.
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MULTIMEDIA:
VIDEO: Marriage Makes a Word of Difference
Emmy award-winning director Fran Rzeznik of Guilford has created a remarkable and compelling film, Marriage Makes a Word of Difference, which portrays the personal struggles and political challenges of Connecticut’s same-sex couples and their families who are fighting for the freedom to marry. Many of these loving couples have been in committed relationships for more than a decade, but despite their dedication to each other, they continue to be denied the respect, dignity, and legal protections that marriage provides. Through compelling interviews and archival and “slice of life” footage, Marriage Makes a Word of Difference celebrates our common humanity, and shows why marriage equality is a fundamental civil right.
Rep. Toni Walker speaks movingly on justice at CT Judiciary Committee hearings on marriage equality
CT Blogger
March 27, 2007
Uploaded by ctblogger
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GLAD answers the question 'What's the difference?' by breaking down the specific differences between marriage, civil unions, and no marital status in an accessible one page chart.
Emmy award-winning director Fran Rzeznik of Guilford has created a remarkable and compelling film, Marriage Makes a Word of Difference, which portrays the personal struggles and political challenges of Connecticut's same-sex couples and their families who are fighting for the freedom to marry.
