CT Court Rejects Marriage Ban Challenge

July 13, 2006

HARTFORD—A Connecticut state superior court judge ruled yesterday that gay and lesbian couples have not been harmed by the state's decision to legalize same-sex civil unions rather than grant them full marriage rights. Judge Patty Jenkins Pittman wrote that civil union and marriage in Connecticut now share the same benefits, protections and responsibilities under law.
Judge Pittman ruled that the Connecticut Constitution requires equal protection and due process of law, not equivalent classification of protections and processes.

Last year, the Democratic-controlled legislature passed, and Republican Governor Rell signed into law, a bill legalizing civil unions. But it defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Eight couples sued, claiming civil unions are an inferior status and that Connecticut's marriage laws should be changed.

A lawyer for Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders says the group will appeal the decision to the Connecticut Supreme Court. State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says the ruling leaves open the possibility that the legislature could reconsider extending marriage to same-sex couples. But he says the decision rejects arguments that lawmakers be required to do so.

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