Featured Article


Gay Marriage in Connecticut Will Begin in Mid-November
Article Audio

1:34 minutes (0.76 MB)
Download this Article

Attorney Ben Klein: Photo by Chion WolfIt's been two weeks since the State Supreme Court ruled that Connecticut cannot ban gay and lesbian couples from marrying, basing its decision on equal protections in the state constitution.

Senior Attorney, Ben Klein with Massachusetts based legal group, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders or GLAD argued the case on behalf of the nine Connecticut plaintiff couples.

He says same-sex marriages can't begin until the Supreme Court's judgement is formally entered by the Superior Court in New Haven, most likely the week of November 10.

Once that happens, town clerks must immediately begin issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples.

"Everything that I've heard and anticipate tells me that the first day of marriage for same sex couple in CT will be smooth. I'm not anticipating logistical problems. I think the state should have the forms in the hands of the clerks...and the clerks should be instructed about their legal duty to uphold the constitution and follow the law in the state."

Bill Gerrish, Spokesman for the state Dept of Public Health says marriage forms have been revised to reflect that same sex couples can now marry. Gerrish says the forms will be sent to local town clerks before the end of the week.

Connecticut is the third state to allow gays and lesbians to marry, following Massachusetts and California. The court ruling has no effect on Connecticut's current civil union law that was approved in 2005, meaning both same sex marriages and civil unions will be granted and recognized in the state.