Reports this week indicate that the same-sex "marriage" and civil unions bills introduced in the Connecticut Legislature this term are unlikely to be enacted. (See Feb. 8, 2002 Update.) Pro-marriage advocates presented a strong defense of the marriage law at a February 11 hearing. That opposition, coupled with last week's unexpected announcement that Connecticut Bar Association would not support the bills, likely contributed to committee co-chairman Michael Lawlor's recent concession that the bills do not have broad legislative support.

Even while conceding the failure of the same-sex "marriage" and civil union bills, however, Lawlor suggested that greater support would exist for a proposal to create limited spousal benefits to same-sex couples without addressing the issue in the context of marriage. This new legislation is still being written and has not been introduced.

The new legislation also presents another example of the "small steps" strategy for the ultimate recognition of same-sex "marriage." Anne Stanback, president of pro-homosexual Love Makes a Family organization, said they knew they were "not going to get what we were hoping to get," but described the new benefits legislation is "a step forward."

Sources: Daniela Altimari, "Civil Unions Not Likely," The Hartford Courant, March 18, 2002, at B1; Scott Brede, "CBA Stays Mum on Gay Marriages Organization's Role," Connecticut Law Tribune, March 18, 2002, at 1.