Last Wednesday Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed a bill into law creating Civil Unions for gays, while at the same time defining marriage as being between one man and one woman. The law, which takes effect in October drew, praise from human rights advocates.
WASHINGTON — The Human Rights Campaign praised Connecticut legislators for passing a civil union bill that will offer all the state-level rights and benefits of marriage to same-sex couples and their families.
“Connecticut has taken a significant step giving families the rights and protections they need,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "This is an important law that will strengthen all families in Connecticut. Thanks to the Legislature and Governor Jodi Rell, as well as Love Makes a Family and thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people across the state, Connecticut families are significantly more protected today than they were yesterday.”
On Sunday the terminally disgruntled took to the streets, or in this case the state capital lawn, to protest.
HARTFORD, Conn. Apr 24, 2005 — About 3,000 protesters gathered at the state Capitol Sunday to denounce lawmakers who voted in favor of legislation last week that made Connecticut the second state to offer civil unions to gay couples.
Brian Brown, executive director of the Family Institute of Connecticut, urged opponents of the bill to vote against lawmakers who supported it in next year's elections.
"Civil unions are merely a stepping stone to redefining marriage," he said at Sunday's rally. "Anyone who voted for this bill voted for same-sex marriage."
And at the other end of the spectrum,
Meanwhile, about 80 gay rights activists took part in a mock wedding ceremony on the Capitol lawn Sunday, criticizing civil unions as second-class citizenship. Many said they were happy the state approved civil unions but wished lawmakers had given gays and lesbians full marriage rights.
Janet Peck and Carol Conklin, plaintiffs in a pending lawsuit challenging the state's marriage laws excluding same-sex couples, said they have always dreamed of marrying each other. They said they don't know if they'll get a civil union.
"We just see ourselves holding hands, looking into each others' eyes, pledging our love and commitment," Peck said. "It's a vision we've had for 29 years."
Truth be told I'm not surprised the bill has drawn protest. It's exactly the outcome Bush wanted from a Constitutional amendment.
The amendment should fully protect marriage, while leaving the state legislatures free to make their own choices in defining legal arrangements other than marriage.
If Dubya approves, it can't be good. And for Connecticut to do something so sensible is, quite frankly, astounding.
Comments