Breaking: Connecticut Senate Approves Civil Union Bill (OVERWHELMINGLY)!! [View All]

[ruggerson]

http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=3172920&nav=3YeXYKlG

Conn. DU'ers: Congratulations! On to the House and then the Governor.

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Hartford-WTNH, Apr. 6, 2005 Updated 6:20 PM ) _ A bill that would give same-sex couples many of the same rights as married couples has passed the State Senate.

The vote was 27-to-nine in favor of the bill, which is also expected to clear the House.

A House vote has not yet been scheduled.

by Chief Capitol Correspondent Mark Davis
The vote comes after a heated debate between lawmakers on this issue.

It was Senator Andrew McDonald of Stamford, the only openly gay member of the state senate, who introduced the bill calling it a portal to history.

"And I ask you to pass through it and lead Connecticut in it's legacy of protecting equal rights for all of her citizens," says Sen. Andrew McDonald, (D) Stamford.

But McDonald riled opponents by inferring that their opposition was motivated by bigotry.

"It is not fear that is the biggest threat to those in our state who are in same-sex relationships, it's bigotry and hatred."

"Raise your hands right now if you think my motivation in opposing this legislation is motivated by bigotry or hatred?" says Sen. John Kissel, (R) Enfield.

It was only a rhetorical question but made the point that such borderline personal attack was out of order in the state senate.

"I think an equally justified argument can be made that this is the very last step towards same-sex marriage."


Gov. Rell has said she supports civil unions, but she also wants language that states marriage is between a woman and a man.

If this bill passes, Connecticut would become the first state to recognize civil unions between same-sex couples without court intervention.