Connecticut new haven for gay marriage

November 16, 10:20 PMWedding and Marriage ExaminerElizabeth Oakes

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   CT's first same-sex wedding: Jennifer Vickery and Peg Oliveira 

While Californians anxiously await a ruling from their state Supreme Court deciding whether or not the recent ballot initiative to end same-sex marriage rights will be upheld, gay couples in Connecticut tied the knot this week in the state’s first same-sex ceremonies.

"Today, Connecticut sends a message of hope and inspiration to lesbian and gay people throughout this country who simply want to be treated as equals by their government," said Ben Klein, the lead attorney for Jennifer Vickery and Peg Oliveira. Their success in the CT Supreme Court resulted in the pair being the first couple to wed when the final ruling became effective last Wednesday.

Local wedding businesses have already seen an uptick and the state will also most likely benefit from destination wedding dollars as out-of-state couples travel there to legally wed.  One study showed that California’s same-sex weddings would pump $684 million into the state’s economy over three years ($64 million in tax revenues alone) and create thousands of new jobs; unless the CA Suprreme Court overturns Proposition 8, Connecticut and Massachusetts may be the only ones to reap the abundance that gay wedding dollars will bring.

Unlike California, Connecticut does not have a ballot initiative process; those who wish to oppose the ruling will have to pursue their case either through the legislature or the courts.  Those who claim that the majority of Connecticuters oppose gay marriage and the “democratic process” is being undermined by judicial fiat need to go back and read their history books; the gay struggle for equal rights typifies previous struggles in our democratic society, where the electorate's power is balanced by the courts’ ability to protect the interests of minority groups despite popular sentiment (the “tyranny of the majority," as deTocqueville aptlly put it.)   Indeed, many feel that the loss of marriage equality in California has actually ignited a stronger, more vocal marriage equality movement--as nationwide demonstrations this past weekend indicate--and it is certain that all branches of government will be deliberating on this flashpoint issue in the near future.

Here in California gay marriage is still in limbo, though word is that a ruling on Prop 8 is expected soon.  In the meantime, we’d like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to those same-sex couples who are tying the knot out there in CT, and our equally sincere thanks to the gay and straight allies who support them all over the country.  We invite those who do not share these sentiments to watch or read MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann’s commentary on the gay marriage issue, which may provide some food for thought.  

In the meantime, we here in California harbor hope that marriage equality will be restored and our own state Supreme Court will--once again--stand up for fairness, civil rights, and the majority of love.

Until next time, and sweet and long life to you all.

Elizabeth Oakes welcomes your feedback at weddingexaminer@gmail.com.