Connecticut rules for marriage equality

On October 10th 2008, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot withold marriage rights from same-sex couples. The court ruled that the constitutional provision of equal protection requires same-sex couples be afforded the opportunity to marry, and that the state had not made a sufficient argument justifying the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage.

This is the third court ruling in the country that opens the door for full marriage equality. The other two were Massachusetts in 2003 and California in the spring of 2008.

"Two people who wish to be with each other in a committed, trusting and loving relationship should have the ability to protect that relationship legally, and legal protections come most readily and understandably through marriage," said OutFront Minnesota Staff Attorney Phil Duran. The Connecticut Supreme Court's ruling affirms a central American legal principle: equality under the law. The court ruled that Connecticut's civil unions law was insufficient in itself to provide equal protection and that "the segregation of heterosexual and homosexual couples into separate institutions constitutes a cognizable harm."

According to Duran, "this is a heartening decision that will have a real impact on families."

Just as in the other marriage equality rulings in Massachusetts in 2003 and California earlier this year, Connecticut's decision will not have a direct legal impact on Minnesota because state law bans same-sex marriages and prevents the state from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states. In addition, OutFront Minnesota, along with Rainbow Families and Project 515, issued a joint statement this summer discouraging the use of litigation in our state to achieve marriage equality, preferring instead to pursue a remedy through the legislature.

OutFront Minnesota Public Policy Director Monica Meyer says, "The Connecticut Supreme Court ruling is still inspiring for all the same-sex couples in our state who desire to be lifelong companions and raise families. The court sent a message to the nation that fairness and equality are principles under our laws that should be upheld."