| CIVIL UNIONS An Act Concerning Civil Unions (CGS 46b-38aa - 46b-38pp) became effective on 10/1/05. The provisions of this legislatoin authorize the State of Connecticut to legally recognize unions between same sex couples. The laws governing civil unions mirror Connecticut’s marriage laws. The most Frequently Asked Questions are highlighted below. What is a civil union? A civil union is a legal union between two people of the same sex which grants the parties all the same benefits, protections and responsibilities under the state law, whether derived from the general statutes, administrative regulations or court rules, policy, common law or any other source of civil law, as are granted to spouses in a marriage. Who is eligible to enter into a civil union? - A person who is 18 years old, or an emancipated minor;
- Of the same sex as the other party to the civil union;
- Not a party to another civil union or marriage (pending further clarification from the Attorney General’s Office);
- Not the parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew of the other party to the civil union; and
- Not under the supervision of a conservator, unless written consent is provided by the conservator.
What are the procedures for applying for a civil union license? The parties must apply for a civil union license at the vital records office of the town where the civil union is to take place, or at the town of residence of one of the parties. The parties shall provide the demographic information necessary to complete the civil union license, date, sign and swear to the validity of the provided information, and present a valid photographic ID (current driver's license or passport) to the registrar to prove the party’s identity. What is the cost of a civil union license? The cost of a civil union license is $30. Certified copies are $10 each.
Who may officiate the civil union ceremony?
All officiators who are eligible to perform a marriage ceremony in this state, are also granted the authority to perform a civil union ceremony. This includes all judges and retired judges, federal judges and judges from other states who may legally join persons in marriage or a civil union, family support magistrates, state referees and Justices of the Peace, and ordained or licensed members of the clergy who continue in the work of the ministry. Once the civil union is performed, the officiator is responsible for certifying upon the civil union license, the fact, time and place of the civil union, and returning the license to the registrar of the town where the civil union took place.
Can persons residing outside of Connecticut apply for a civil union license?
There is no residency requirement for application for a civil union license. Any person meeting the above stated criteria may apply for and enter into a civil union in the state of Connecticut.
Will Connecticut civil unions be recognized by the federal government?
Federal law does not recognize civil unions. Entering into a civil union will have no bearing on eligibility for federal entitlements, such as Social Security, veteran’s benefits, joint federal tax returns, and immigration.
How are civil unions dissolved?
Civil unions are dissolved through a court proceeding similar to dissolution of a marriage.
What are the differences between a marriage and a civil union?
- A civil union is a legal relationship between two parties of the same sex, whereas a marriage may only take place between a man and a woman.
- A party to a civil union must be at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor, whereas a person under 18 may be married with parental consent or approval from a probate court judge.
- Any person authorized to join persons in a civil union and who refuses for any reason to do so, is not subject to any fine or other penalty for such refusal. The marriage statutes are silent regarding liability for officiators who refuse to carry out a marriage ceremony.
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