Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) will appeal a decision from the New Haven Superior Court in the marriage lawsuit Kerrigan and Mock v. Department of Public Health. The Court ruled on July 12 that the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage does not constitute a violation of the state’s constitution.

“Of course we’re disappointed, and disagree with the judge,” said Bennett Klein, the GLAD senior attorney who argued before Judge Patty Jenkins Pittman in March 2006.
“However, this is just the first step in what we knew would be a long journey.  Our legal arguments are strong, and ultimately justice will prevail for the state’s same sex couples, who only want to be treated fairly.”

The judge premised her decision on her belief that there are no meaningful differences between marriage and civil union. “Marriage and civil unions are not interchangeable; there aren’t very many married people who would trade their marriage for a civil union.

GLAD filed the lawsuit in August 2004 on behalf of eight couples who were denied marriage licenses.  An appeal must be filed within the next 20 days.  Further information about the case is available at http://www.glad.org/marriage.
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England’s leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV status.  GLAD is active in all six New England states.

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