Not to be overlooked, Connecticut's Republican Gov. Jodi Rell has signed civil unions legislation for her state. "Today Governor Rell becomes the first governor in history to sign civil union legislation without being forced to do so by the courts," said a news release from the Log Cabin Republicans. Proponents of the broad domestic partnership bills passed in New Jersey and California may debate the point, but nevertheless the significance of a victory achieved through elected representatives sends a powerful message.
Governor Rell had signaled her support for civil unions by
stating, "I don't believe in discrimination of any sort, and I want
people to have equal rights and equal opportunities." Those are
words too rarely heard within her party, at least with regards to
gay people.