KEN DIXON kdixon@ctpost.com
Connecticut Post
04/20/2007 HARTFORD — Thirty clergy members from across the state made a symbolic march on the Capitol Thursday in an attempt to increase pressure on lawmakers to approve a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry.
For the Rev. Mary Anne Osborn, a Fairfield minister, Thursday's event was about putting a human face on the controversy, which is keeping her from marrying her longtime partner.
Osborn, associate pastor at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, said she and the Rev. Joanne Neel-Richard have not participated in a civil union because they've taken steps on their own to ensure legal protections on inheritance, power of attorney, hospital visitation and other issues.
"We are waiting to be married," said Osborn, 55, after a morning press conference on the Capitol's third floor. "We've been together for 24 years and simply want the same dignity and opportunity afforded others."
Neel-Richard said she hopes her now 7-month-old granddaughter, Avery, will grow up with gay marriage as a right — and discrimination against committed same-sex couples a matter of history, similar to 80 years since women won the right to vote and the era of racially separated water fountains.
"Throughout the Jewish and Christian scriptures, God is depicted as turning away from legalistic obedience, empty festivals and self-righteous, willful, religious behaviors," Neel-Richard said. "Instead, God is found yearning for a people who will promote justice and live with compassion."
April 12, the Legislature's Judiciary Committee voted 27-15 to approve a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. Despite opposition from Gov. M. Jodi Rell, it is on the calendar of the House of Representatives. The General Assembly's deadline is June 6.Read the rest at...
http://origin.connpost.com/localnews/ci_5709187
By: Bridget Albert, Editor
The Orange Bulletin
04/12/2007Following 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...Click here to read the rest.
by Susan Haigh
Associated Press
Thursday Apr 12, 2007
A bill that would make Connecticut the second state in the nation to allow gay couples to marry passed its first legislative hurdle Thursday.
The Judiciary Committee voted 27-15 to approve the bill, which next goes to the House of Representatives, where its prospects are uncertain.
Two years ago, Connecticut approved civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, granting them all of the state rights and privileges of married couples. But gay rights advocates called on the legislature to take the final step this session and allow gay couples to marry...
Click here to read the rest.
