“The right to marry whoever one wishes is an elementary human right…
Even political rights, like the right to vote, and nearly 
all other
rights enumerated in the Constitution, are secondary to the inalienable
human rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" proclaimed
in the Declaration of Independence; and to this category the right
to home and marriage unquestionably belongs.”
— Hannah Arendt, 1959. Political scientist and philosopher
Marriage equality in Connecticut
Congratulations to Connecticut on being the second state in the union
to legally support marriage equality!
On November 12th, 2008, the Connecticut Supreme Court made it legal
for any two people regardless of gender to legally marry provided they
meet marriage requirements of Connecticut.
GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders) has published two
very helpful publications that you can download:
“A
Brief Q & A about Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in Connecticut” and
“How
to Get Married in Connecticut.”
Massachusetts
The commonwealth of Massachusetts was the first U.S. state to approve
marriage equality, on May 17th, 2004 and only the sixth jurisdiction
in the world (after the Netherlands, Belgium, Ontario, British Columbia,
and Quebec.)
New York
Although New York State has yet to grant marriage equality, in September
of 2008, Governor David Paterson issued an executive order requiring
all government agencies of New York to recognize the same-sex marriages
performed in other states (or countries.)
This means that New York residents can come up to beautiful Connecticut,
get married and have it recognized by their state! Something to
think about New Yorkers!
What else is happening in New England?
In January 2009, the state of Maine introduced marriage equality legislation,
with New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island to follow within the
year. GLAD and MassEquality announced in 2008, a “6 x 12” campaign
with the goal of bringing marriage equality to all six New England
states by 2012.
Keeping Informed
To keep up on the latest legislation about marriage equality, visit these
websites:
www.GLAD.org
And for news on California’s continuing efforts:
CourageCampaign.org.
And
please visit my Resources page
for more wedding resource information.
