Connecticut Civil Unions Bill Faces First Big Vote Today

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/04/041305connAdv.htm

The Connecticut House of Representatives is expected to vote today on legislation that would make the state the first to voluntarily recognize same-sex civil unions.

Meanwhile, Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Tuesday that she won't sign the bill if it somehow indicates gay marriage is eventually possible.

While the bill sailed through the Democrat-controlled Senate on a 27-9 vote last week, it was expected to face a tougher challenge in the Democrat-controlled House, which includes more moderates and conservatives.

Rell has said she supports the concept of civil unions but opposes same-sex marriage. On Tuesday evening, Rell's staff distributed a statement announcing she had asked Attorney General Richard Blumenthal for an opinion on whether the bill before the legislators specifically prohibits or permits marriage between same-sex couples.

"If the attorney general in any way equivocates, is unclear or indicates that the bill would allow gay marriage, then I will ask the House to pass an amendment specifically prohibiting gay marriage and defining marriage solely as between one man and one woman," Rell said.