While California argues, Connecticut starts gay marriages

While gay rights activists in California are plotting ways to remove the ban on gay marriage, the situation today in Connecticut could not be more different. A judge cleared the way for same-sex couples to marry, and activists hope this will open the flood gates. From the Hartford Courant:

The state Supreme Court last month, in a 4-3 decision, ruled that preventing gay and lesbian couples from marrying violates the state constitution. Today's brief hearing was a formality that was needed before gay couples could start receiving marriage licenses. Immediately after the court proceeding, one of the plaintiff couples, Barbara and Robin Levine-Ritterman, walked to New Haven city hall to obtain their marriage license -- perhaps the first couple in the state to do so. They came out of city hall and were greeted by a small crowd that applauded. They are planning their wedding for May. Suzanne Artis, another plaintiff, said she and her partner, Geraldine Artis, thought the day was momentous enough to bring their three children, whom they home school. The couple already has a civil union but "it's not the same as marriage," said Suzanne.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Connecticut ruling on gay marriage borrowed heavily from the landmark decision by the California Supreme Court earlier this year.

-- Shelby Grad

Photo: Michael McAndrews / Hartford Courant

Comments

[Jake in LA]

Hooray for Connecticut!! I am saddened by the passage of Proposition 8 in California, as I have always thought California was the pioneer when it comes to these matters, but clearly Connecticut has taken one step closer to paving the way for equality for all! Congratulations!

[Juan]

Watch out Connecticut gay community, here comes the LDS!

[MickeyC]

Same sex marriage is here to stay and everyone knows it. All Proposition 8 did was guarantee millions of dollars in lawsuits from taxpayer money and the loss of revenue from all the same sex marriages that would have happened in California. Unfortunately for the anti-marriage crowd, hate and bigotry come at a BIG price these days and they've just started paying the tab.

[LB Centaur]

I'm beginning to realize that California no longer leads this nation in progressive ideas. While three other states now permit same-sex marriages, the majority of Californians somehow feel their g*d wants them to stand in the way of love. Where in their holy book does it sanctify denying others the right to love in the same way they do?

[Scott]

Bravo! At least in the midst of turmoil and discrimination in California, we can celebrate that Connecticut has taken a huge step towards marriage equality and equal rights for all! Two states down... 48 to go. It's a long process, but we will get there. Discrimination and homophobia will not stand in California or anywhere in the US.

[chris]

This is great! All of us gays should move as soon as possible from CA to Connecticut to protest voter approval against same-sex marriage.

[Dismas]

God help us. Next stop Gomorrah. When will they ever learn?

[Avery St. Clair]

Swell. California's now known for bigotry the world over. The blame for that can be shared between the clergy who promoted hatred from the pulpit, and civil rights advocates who were asleep at the switch. Shame on both.

[Mike]

Congrats to CT! Fortunately there is no initiative process there and apparently no appetite for amending the constitution either.It is rather ironic that the Knights of Columbus are based in New Haven; they pumped tons of money into the Yes On 8 side and now they have same sex marriage in their backyard! How fitting !

[Avery]

California has been shamed here in Oz and my friends in Europe say it is a similar story.

You just lost your iconic liberal status ;). Now you're just "where the movies are made".