Connecticut - Civil Union Law

On April 20, 2005, Connecticut became the first state in the nation to voluntarily pass legislation allowing same-sex couples to enter into civil unions.

 Who May Enter Into a Civil Union?
A person may enter into a civil union if that person is at least 18 years of age, is of the same sex as the other party to the civil union, is no more closely related to the other than first cousin and is not a party to another civil union or marriage.
 Who May Perform Civil Union Ceremonies?
Civil union ceremonies in Connecticut may be performed by:
- judges and retired judges, including federal judges and judges of other states;
- family support magistrates;
- state referees;
- justices of the peace;
- ordained or licensed working members of the clergy from in or out of state
 How Does One Obtain a Civil Union License?
Civil union licenses will be issued by the registrar of vital statistics for the town in which the civil union is to be celebrated or the town in which either person to be joined in the civil union resides. The civil union ceremony must take place no more than 65 days following the application for a license.
 Must Civil Union Ceremonies Take Place in Connecticut?
No; Connecticut residents who may legally enter into a civil union may celebrate their union in another state or foreign country as long as the officiant meets designated criteria. For example, the civil union may be conducted by any ordained or licensed member of the clergy engaged in the work of the ministry in any state of the United States or in any foreign country.
 What Rights Are Granted to Gay Couples Under the Civil Union Law?
Those legally joined in a civil union will have all the same benefits, protections and responsibilities under law that are granted to spouses in a marriage in categories such as state and municipal taxation, family leave benefits, hospital visitation and notification, state public assistance benefits, court privileges and others. Civil unions are not recognized under federal law, however, nor are the rights they afford transferable to most other states.
 How is Marriage Defined Under Connecticut Civil Union Law?
Marriage is specifically defined as "the union of one man and one woman."
 Must Private Companies Grant Spousal Benefits to Same-Sex Partners?
No; while the law provides for group health and other benefits for government employees, they are not mandated of private sector employers.
 How Can a Connecticut Civil Union Be Dissolved?
Connecticut state divorce law will apply to couples joined in a civil union.