SB 899 Passes - Voter Reaction

SB 899, the same-sex marriage codification bill, has passed through both the Senate and the House of Representatives, but not without a strong amendment protecting religious freedom. The amendment allows church organizations to opt out of the requirements of the law, meaning priests will not have to wed gay couples, nor will organizations such as the Knights of Columbus have to rent their halls for that purpose. Archbishop Henry Mansell personally thanked Catholics across Connecticut, saying that constituent phone calls and emails to representatives resulted in the amendment. He spoke on WJMJ.






Governor Jodi Rell says she will sign the bill when it reaches her desk. It then goes into effect in October of 2010. Crossroads Magazine asked voters, senators and lobbyists what they thought of the law, and what it means for residents. Click here to hear the full story.

S.B. 899 Passes with Amendment to Protect Religious Freedom

Senate Bill 899, the codification of same-sex marriage in the state of Connecticut, passed through the Senate and the House of Representatives yesterday, after a 10-hour marathon of debate and compromise.

Democratic Senator Edith Prague spoke to us about what this bill really does for our radio newscast on WJMJ Radio.

The Bill as passed will allow same sex couples who are currently in a civil union to be automatically married as of October of 2010.

Lawmakers endorsed an amendment that allows religious organizations to opt out of the law's requirements, meaning that a group such as the Knights of Columbus would not be required to rent out its function halls for same-sex wedding receptions. Nor would a Catholic priest be obligated to preside over such a union.

The Hartford Courant published the full story on yesterday's vote.

One key problem opponents of this bill are still fighting against is the possibility of homosexuality being taught in schools. Supporters of the bill say this is not an issue, as there is no language in the bill specifically relating to teaching the lifestyle within school curricula.

Crossroads Magazine will have the entire story - including what voters think about the passage and the amendment - later this week.

SB 899, Gay Marriage in CT

The State Senate may vote tomorrow on SB 899, the same-sex marriage codeification bill. Archbishop Henry Mansell has asked all Catholics to write or call their representatives, claiming that religious freedom is now at risk.

Last week, the Family Institute of Connecticut staged a rally on the North Steps of the Capital building. 125 people showed up, in dreary weather, holding signs, and shouting slogans, all in opposition to this bill. The Family Institute is not connected with the Catholic Church.

Crossroads has been following this story closely. We covered the rally, and both sides of the debate last week.

The Hartford Courant covered the story yesterday, as a preview to tomorrow's possible vote.

We'll be there again tomorrow, and bring you another update as soon as we have new information.

If you don't want to wait that long, you can visit the Family Institute's website to contact your representatives.