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Partnership Union Bills Headed To Conn Leg
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

(January 15, New Haven)  Several bills promoting and opposing same-sex unions will come before the Connecticut legislature this year.

"We're well beyond the point of asking whether we want to have same-sex couples in the state," said Rep. Michael Lawlor, co-chairman of the powerful judiciary committee and a supporter of gay marriage. "They're here. Now the time has come for the legislature to start establishing rules."

Among the bills, Lawlor said one would be similar to Vermont's Civil Unions Act which provides gays and lesbians with many of the same rights as marriage.

He also expects to see legislation which would extend many of the benefits of marriage to gay couples

"This isn't a question of whether we're going to get this right, but when," said Anne Stanback, president of Love Makes a Family, a coalition of gay and lesbian groups.

"It's not just about marriage," said Seth Kilbon, national field director with the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay rights group. "It's about recognizing gay and lesbian families."

Opponents say they may submit legislation specifically stating that marriage be restricted to heterosexual couples.

In an election year it is not clear if any of the bills will make it from committee to the House floor for a vote.

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