Same-sex marriage faces Judiciary Committee

By: Bridget Albert, Editor
The Orange Bulletin
04/12/2007

Following more than 11 hours of hearings last week the state Judiciary Committee debated and listened to arguments for and against same-sex marriage.

In 2005, Connecticut, in an overwhelming legislative vote, became the first state to recognize same-sex couples with civil unions without being forced to by the court system.

Earlier this year, Gov. M. Jodi Rell said she'd veto any legislation that allows gay and lesbian couples to marry. Rell signed the civil union bill in 2005.

But many believe gays should be allowed to marry.

Eileen Doyle, of Milford, said before she got involved with the Gay/Straight Alliance at her church, Mary Taylor Memorial, United Methodist Church, she didn't think much about the issue.

"I never gave much thought to gays marrying until about four years ago when the church created the Alliance," Doyle said.

"Since then I have gone to Hartford to lobby for their recognition. I have come to know gay people and realized the only difference is sexual orientation. They are wonderful people," Doyle said.

"They deserve the same rights as heterosexuals. They also deserve the social recognition that marriage brings. This is not just for them but also their family, children, parents," Doyle said.

"We're all God's children. He doesn't turn his back on anyone and neither should we," Doyle said...

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