MAYOR PEREZ SUPPORTS CIVIL MARRIAGE RESOLUTION

---NEWS RELEASE---

(February 9, 2007)--- Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez has added his name to the Civil Marriage Resolution that will be on the agenda for Tuesday’s City Council Meeting (2/13).  Councilman Pedro Segarra, Councilman Dr. Robert Painter, Councilperson Elizabeth Horton Sheff and Councilwoman rJo Winch are sponsors.  This resolution supports the passage of the Civil Marriage Equality Bill under consideration in the State Legislature that would end discrimination against same sex couples and provide equal rights, benefits and protections similar to those granted in the State of Massachusetts.

Mayor Perez says, “This is all about equal rights under the law.  For decades, Hartford has been in the forefront of this major civil rights issue.  Domestic partnerships have been recognized in the City since 1983.  This resolution is an important next step in eliminating discrimination.  However, I do respect the right of all faiths and religions to define marriage as their tradition dictates.”

Councilman Segarra is the lead sponsor.  He says, “This legislation is important because it will bring equality to a segment of our population that is being discriminated and it does not take rights away from anybody else.”

On October 1, 2005, Hartford was part of history by opening City Hall on that Saturday to provide Civil Union applications and conduct Civil Union ceremonies.  Since then, 70 licenses have been allocated.