{news} Fw: Associated Press Article [CT justices of peace/civil union law]

[edubrule]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Chelsea Turner 
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 5:08 PM
Subject: Associated Press Article


Thought you might be interested in the attached article about CT Justices of the Peace preparing for the new civil union law to take effect. 

 

- Chelsea

 

      CONNECTICUT NEWS
     


Justices Gearing Up For Civil Unions

3:56 PM EDT, September 23, 2005 
Associated Press 

 

      HARTFORD, Conn. -- Nearly 8,000 justices of the peace are gearing up for the advent of same-sex civil unions in Connecticut.

      The Connecticut Justice of the Peace Association has scheduled a conference Saturday to teach members about the civil union process. The new civil union law takes effect a week later, on Oct. 1.

      "It needs to be done properly," said Steven R. Mullins, a Republican justice from West Haven. "The last thing Connecticut needs are incompetent justices of the peace."

      Connecticut is the first state to pass a civil union law without court pressure. Vermont is the only other state that allows civil unions and Massachusetts is the only state that allows same-sex marriages.

      The conference, to be held at Middlesex Community College, will focus on new procedures the justices will follow if they perform civil unions. About 200 of the state's 6,000 to 8,000 justices are expected to attend.

      They'll go over, for example, how they might announce the new couple at the end of the ceremony. Instead of husband and wife, as in a heterosexual marriage, some are considering announcing them as "partners in life," said Douglas Kovacs, a justice from Milford who isn't affiliated with a political party.

      Under Connecticut law, the justices can choose whom they want to marry or join in civil unions. Mullins, for example, said he decided not to perform any civil unions for religious reasons.

      Janice Favreau, a Democratic justice from South Windsor, said she has already heard from three couples who want civil union ceremonies performed in October. She said most who have called her have been in long-term relationships, one couple for 23 years.

      "They want to take advantage, very early, of the new law," she said, adding that some couples are worried the state legislature might try to revoke the law.

      Gay and lesbian couples must obtain licenses from their town halls before any ceremonies can take place. Some town clerks will be open Oct. 1, a Saturday.

      The justices said they have not yet seen the actual civil union licenses they will eventually sign. Mullins said town clerks around the state have met with state Department of Public Health officials about the licenses and other issues.

       

      On the Net:

      www.jpus.org

      www.findajp.com
     


 
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