Connecticut Codifies Court's Marriage Ruling
Legislators in Connecticut voted on Wednesday to update the state’s marriage laws to conform to last year’s supreme court ruling that legalized same-sex civil marriage.
Under the new law, marriage in Connecticut will be redefined as the legal union of two people, reports the Associated Press. Previously, state law defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
The bill was amended to protect religious liberties. Religious groups are not required to facilitate same-sex marriage ceremonies by providing services or facilities.
Governor M. Jodi Rell, a Republican, will sign the bill, which passed 28-7 in the senate and 100-44 in the house. The Republican governor, who also signed the 2005 civil-union law, has said that she personally believes marriage should be between opposite-sex partners.
While the state supreme court legalized same-sex marriage with a 4-3 ruling in October, the new legislation is needed to phase out civil unions and help same-sex couples conform to state marriage laws. Civil unions not already dissolved or annulled will become marriages as of October 1, 2010.
New Jersey Supports Marriage Equality, Poll Shows
In a Quinnipiac University poll released this morning, 49% of New Jersey voters surveyed said they support marriage equality, with 43% opposed.
The findings defy the television ad campaign against marriage equality from the National Organization for Marriage, which reportedly had its strongest buy in New Jersey.
The Quinnipiac poll, which surveyed 2,222 New Jerseyans from April 14 through 20, reflects other recent independent polls that show the state favoring marriage equality. Its margin of error was 2.1%.
Legislators in New Jersey are expected to consider a marriage-equality bill after the gubernatorial election in November.
“Legislators, take note,” said Steve Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality, the New Jersey gay rights advocacy group. “No matter what lies our opponents throw on television, New Jersey stands by marriage equality and will stand by you when you vote to end discrimination in marriage in 2009.”
Paterson Softens Push for Marriage-Equality Vote
New York governor David Paterson appears to be softening in his insistence that state legislators put his marriage-equality bill to a vote whether or not it is certain to pass, according to a report this morning on WNYC-FM.
“My point was not to dictate to Senator Smith what he should be doing,” said the governor, referring to senate majority leader Malcolm Smith. “I've got enough problems. My point was just to raise an issue which I think has just frustrated me in my days as a legislator,” the station reported.
When Paterson announced that he would introduce a marriage-equality bill last Thursday, he invoked civil rights momentum and reform of state government to argue that Democratic leaders should bring the legislation to a vote regardless of the outcome. He mentioned that in his 21-year career as a senator, the vote outcome was uncertain for only three bills out of 36,980 introduced.
Senator Smith has said repeatedly that he will bring the marriage-equality bill to the floor when it has the votes to pass. The legislation is expected to pass the assembly, as it did in 2007, but it needs bipartisan support in the senate, where Democrats hold a slim 32-30 majority.
A Siena poll released on Monday showed that while 53% of New York voters surveyed support passage of a marriage-equality bill, Paterson’s approval rating stands at 27%.
Maine Gay Marriage Bill Gets Standing Ovation
A public hearing on allowing gay marriage in Maine has opened with a standing ovation for the bill's sponsor.
Sen. Dennis Damon received a roar of approval at a crowded hearing Wednesday when he said the time has come to recognize same-sex marriages.
He says his proposal "recognizes the worth of every man and woman among us." It is backed by 60 co-sponsors.
Gay rights activists have set a goal of establishing same-sex marriage in all six New England states by 2012. They're already halfway there.
The bill's prospects are uncertain in Maine. Gov. John Baldacci previously opposed the bill but now says he's keeping an open mind.
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