Conn. Civil Union Bill Advances
March 22, 2005
HARTFORD — A bill to allow civil unions in Connecticut has passed another key committee in the legislature despite a Hartford Republican's attempt to derail the measure.
The Appropriations Committee voted 30-15, with ten absent, in favor of the legislation.
Rep. Al Adanofi (R-Hartford) asked for a delay in the debate because this is the week leading up to Easter.
To bring this up during the holiest week on the Christian calendar is no more than an insult to Roman Catholics who believe this violates the sanctity of marriage, Adinofi said.
Co-chairwoman Denise Merill (D-Storrs) turned down Adinofi's request.
This hearing is solely for the fiscal impact of the bill on the state and potential mandates on municipalities, Merrill said. There will be more time to address the merits of the bill.
Two reports on how civil unions would affect the state's finances differ greatly.
A report prepared by legislature's nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis, said that civil unions would cost the state $1 million a year in lost tax revenue and cost municipalities another $1.5 million a year for health insurance, pensions and other benefits for town and city workers who enter into civil unions.
But, a second report, by an economist at the University of Massachusetts, said that Connecticut would actually benefit by civil unions.
Lee Badgett said that any tax revenue loss would be offset by other revenue increases, such as sales taxes paid for wedding services.
Badget said her analysis shows that that Connecticut would actually gain about $2 million if Connecticut decides to allow civil unions. If the state allowed gays couples to marry the benefit would be about $3 million.
The civil unions bill would extends all of the state rights and responsibilities for married heterosexual couples to gay and lesbian couples, but not include any federal benefits.
The legislation has already passed the Judiciary Committee (story) and is expected to be sent to the Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee before facing a Senate vote in the coming weeks. It has the support of Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
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