April 08, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Apr. 8, 2004 - Many residents of Connecticut back the concept of civil unions for gay and lesbian partners, according to a poll by the University of Connecticut. 74 per cent of respondents support giving same-sex partners some of the legal rights of married couples such as inheritance, insurance and hospital visiting privileges.

(CPOD) Apr. 8, 2004 - Many residents of Connecticut back the concept of civil unions for gay and lesbian partners, according to a poll by the University of Connecticut. 74 per cent of respondents support giving same-sex partners some of the legal rights of married couples such as inheritance, insurance and hospital visiting privileges.

On Feb. 24, president George W. Bush asked the United States Congress to enact a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as the union between a man and a woman. In Connecticut, 49 per cent of respondents support same-sex marriage, while 46 per cent disagree.

Civil unions are available only in the state of Vermont. Local governments in the states of California, Oregon, New York and New Jersey have issued marriage licenses to homosexual couples over the past few weeks.

Polling Data

Would you support or oppose a law that would allow same-sex couples to legally form civil unions in Connecticut, giving them some of the legal rights of married couples such as inheritance, insurance and hospital visiting privileges?

Support	74%
Oppose	24%

Would you support or oppose a law that would allow same-sex couples to legally get married in Connecticut?

Support	49%
Oppose	46%

Source: University of Connecticut
Methodology: Interviews to 606 Connecticut residents, conducted from Mar. 25 to Mar. 29, 2004. Margin of error is 4 per cent.