Press Releases
11/11/2018
Gov. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman Celebrate the Ten-Year Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage in Connecticut
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman are celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Connecticut and inviting state residents to commemorate the important equal rights milestone. Connecticut became the second state in the nation to grant marriage licenses to couples of the same gender beginning November 12, 2008.
Governor Malloy said, “Throughout the history of our great country, Connecticut has always had a revolutionary spirit and recognized that the greatest American values are respect and equality under the law. It should come as no surprise that the Constitution State was one of the first in the nation to grant marriage licenses to couples of the same gender. The actions taken in Connecticut were an important milestone in the nationwide fight for equal rights among our gay and lesbian family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. We are proud of the role that our state played in the effort toward equality.
“Ten years later, I can’t help but look back on the effort it took to get where we are today and reflect on the many advocates who spent years urging their lawmakers to do what was right. I think about everything that those opposed to equality predicted would happen if we allowed same-sex couples to exchange vows, and can’t help but note that none of those dire predictions came true. Most of all, I am thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to personally witness the marriages of my gay and lesbian friends who had been waiting for years – decades even – to exchange vows, and be lucky enough to be in a position to officiate a number of those ceremonies myself.
“I think the biggest lesson that all of us – no matter our sexual orientation – can take from the last ten years is that when we protect the rights of others, it does not diminish the rights of anyone else. Nobody is equal unless we are all equal.
“To every same-sex couple who has received a marriage license in Connecticut over the last ten years, I say congratulations.”
Lt. Governor Wyman said, “Love is love, and I am proud that Connecticut was one of the first states to recognize that. At a time when our nation is so divided and it feels like the progress we have made over the last decade or so is eroding, it is important to remember just how far we’ve come to living up to the ideals inscribed in our founding documents – that all people are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I know that Connecticut will continue to lead the fight to ensure that those ideals are realized for all of us, no matter what we look like, how we pray, or who we love.”
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