4.09.2005
Connecticut Senate Approves Civil Unions Bill (CNN.com)
Thursday, April 7, 2005 Posted: 11:37 AM EDT (1537 GMT)
HARTFORD, Connecticut (AP) -- The state Senate easily approved a bill that would make Connecticut the first state to recognize civil unions between same-sex couples without being pressured by the courts.
Senators debated for nearly four hours Wednesday before voting 27-9 for the landmark bill, which would give gay and lesbian couples many of the same rights as married couples. Vermont has approved civil unions and Massachusetts has gay marriage, but the changes came only after lawsuits were brought by same-sex couples.
"We stand today before a portal to history," said Democratic Sen. Andrew McDonald, one of a handful of openly gay lawmakers. "I ask you to pass through it."
Proponents say the legislation will likely clear the state House, possibly as early as next week. Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell has not taken a stand on the bill but has said she supports the concept of civil unions.
A poll released Thursday found that Connecticut voters back civil unions but not gay marriage.
(More ... CNN.com - Connecticut Senate approves civil unions bill - Apr 7, 2005) ¶ 20:18
HARTFORD, Connecticut (AP) -- The state Senate easily approved a bill that would make Connecticut the first state to recognize civil unions between same-sex couples without being pressured by the courts.
Senators debated for nearly four hours Wednesday before voting 27-9 for the landmark bill, which would give gay and lesbian couples many of the same rights as married couples. Vermont has approved civil unions and Massachusetts has gay marriage, but the changes came only after lawsuits were brought by same-sex couples.
"We stand today before a portal to history," said Democratic Sen. Andrew McDonald, one of a handful of openly gay lawmakers. "I ask you to pass through it."
Proponents say the legislation will likely clear the state House, possibly as early as next week. Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell has not taken a stand on the bill but has said she supports the concept of civil unions.
A poll released Thursday found that Connecticut voters back civil unions but not gay marriage.
(More ... CNN.com - Connecticut Senate approves civil unions bill - Apr 7, 2005) ¶ 20:18
