Connecticut becomes third U.S. state to allow same-sex civil unions
{{date|October 1, 2005}}

[[Image:Gay flag.svg|right|thumb|LGBT flag]]
In the state of [[w:Connecticut|Connecticut]] today, a law allowing [[w:civil unions|civil unions]] for same-sex couples took effect. 

The law is unique; it allows civil unions for same-sex couples with full benefits of a regular [[w:marriage|marriage]], while at the same time defining marriage as between a man and a woman. 

Heterosexual couples are not allowed to receive civil unions. The license application will be identical to one for a regular marriage, except "bride" and "groom" are replaced with "party 1" and "party 2."

The Connecticut civil unions law is the first gay marriage law to be passed voluntarily; lawsuits forced fellow New England states [[w:Vermont|Vermont]] and [[w:Massachusetts|Massachusetts]] to allow same-sex unions. Vermont has civil unions while [[w:Same-sex marriage in Massachusetts|Massachusetts]] allows actual [[w:same-sex marriage|same-sex marriage]]. Some localities have recognized same-sex couples in the form of a [[W:domestic partnership|domestic partnership]].

"This is a historic day. We're beyond ecstatic." said Randy Sharp, 46, of Plainville, who was applying for a license with his partner Jeff Blanchette, 44.

Not everyone is happy about the law. Already, opponents are lobbying for an amendment that will ban same-sex marriage. "Today was a sad day for our state. It was a sad day for our state's children." said Brian Brown, executive director of Family Institute of Connecticut. The group held a protest outside the Capitol which was attended by 50 people. Last year eleven states voted on Election Day to prohibit same-sex marriage.

== Sources ==
*{{source|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/01/AR2005100100703.html
|title=Civil Union Law Takes Effect in Conn.
|author=Cara Rubinsky
|pub=Associated Press
|date=October 1, 2005}}
<!-- Hint: If you are citing BBC News, leave the author blank and put "BBC News" in the "pub" parameter. -->

*{{source|url=http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/politics/3377344
|title=Connecticut legalizes same-sex civil unions
|author=Haigh, Susan
|pub=Associated Press
|date=September 30, 2005}}

*{{source|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct--civilunions-quote1001oct01,0,276069.story?coll=ny-region-apconnecticut
|title=Quotes on Connecticut's civil union law
|author=
|pub=Associated Press
<!-- I'm pretty sure that's what the AP stands for... -->
|date=October 1, 2005}}

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{{archive}}
[[Category:LGBT]]
[[Category:North America]]
[[Category:United States]]
[[Category:Connecticut]]
[[Category:Politics and conflicts]]
[[Category:Same-sex marriage]]
LGBT flag
In the state of Connecticut today, a law allowing civil unions for same-sex couples took effect. 

The law is unique; it allows civil unions for same-sex couples with full benefits of a regular marriage, while at the same time defining marriage as between a man and a woman. 

Heterosexual couples are not allowed to receive civil unions. The license application will be identical to one for a regular marriage, except "bride" and "groom" are replaced with "party 1" and "party 2."

The Connecticut civil unions law is the first gay marriage law to be passed voluntarily; lawsuits forced fellow New England states Vermont and Massachusetts to allow same-sex unions. Vermont has civil unions while Massachusetts allows actual same-sex marriage. Some localities have recognized same-sex couples in the form of a domestic partnership.

"This is a historic day. We're beyond ecstatic." said Randy Sharp, 46, of Plainville, who was applying for a license with his partner Jeff Blanchette, 44.

Not everyone is happy about the law. Already, opponents are lobbying for an amendment that will ban same-sex marriage. "Today was a sad day for our state. It was a sad day for our state's children." said Brian Brown, executive director of Family Institute of Connecticut. The group held a protest outside the Capitol which was attended by 50 people. Last year eleven states voted on Election Day to prohibit same-sex marriage.

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LGBT North America United States Connecticut Politics and conflicts Same-sex marriage