Homosexuals head to court to demand marriage rights

Stephanie Reitz - Associated Press Writer
OneNewsNow.com
May 14, 2007

HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut's civil unions law, the first in the nation passed without court intervention, faces a stern test in the state Supreme Court.

Eight homosexual couples say the state's refusal to grant marriage licenses violates their constitutional rights and denies them the financial, social and emotional benefits of marriage.

A ruling in their favor could have nationwide implications for states that have adopted or are considering civil union-like legislation. Connecticut in 2005 passed a civil unions law, which state officials say gives same-sex couples the equality they seek.

The court takes up the issue Monday.

Currently, only Massachusetts allows same-sex couples to marry. Connecticut, Vermont, California, New Jersey, Maine and Washington have laws allowing either civil unions or domestic partnerships. Hawaii extends certain spousal rights to same-sex couples and cohabiting heterosexual pairs.

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