Connecticut Court Rules in Favor of Same Sex Marriage

The New York Times reports:

A sharply divided Connecticut Supreme Court struck down the state’s civil union law on Friday and ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. Connecticut thus joins Massachusetts and California as the only states to have legalized gay marriages.

The ruling, which cannot be appealed and is to take effect on Oct. 28, held that a state law limiting marriage to heterosexual couples, and a civil union law intended to provide all the rights and privileges of marriage to same-sex couples, violated the constitutional guarantees of equal protection under the law.

The Connecticut Surpreme Court absolutely made the right decision, but what impact will this announcement have on state constitutional ballot initiatives in California, Florida and Arizona.

Dramatically outspent in California, the "Yes on 8" forces have pulled ahead in their quest to write discrimination into California's constitution. I know money is tight for a lot of us, but if you have a few extra dollars they could certainly help in that fight.

In Florida, the "Yes on 2" advocates are also gaining ground. Will the Connecticut decision -- which will surely be spun as a ruling by "activist judges" prompt more people to come out to vote "yes"? The measure must receive 60% of the vote in order to become law. The last polling data I've seen had the "yes" number around 55% and climbing. If you have additional dollars, or know someone in Florida (or California) please urge them to vote "NO" on election day.

Arizona is the only state to ever defeat one of these initiatives, but there is concern with McCain on the presidential ballot that could bring out additional conservative voters in the state.

There is so much as stake, at so many levels, in this election. We must do all we can to get progressives (and moderates) to vote as a block on these important issues.

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