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SB 899
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Same-Sex Marriage
This legislation updates existing statutes to reflect the Connecticut Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage in Connecticut and eliminating civil unions.
The Connecticut Catholic Conference testified concerning the need for protections for religiously affiliated organizations and freedom of religion for individuals. The bill was amended in the Senate with several provisions to protect religious liberties of organizations. Unfortunately, individuals who choose not to provide goods or services to same-sex marriage ceremonies or celebrations were still left unprotected. These individuals would have to seek legal relief under existing state freedom of religion statutes, which are widely open to the interpretation of the courts. Justices of the Peace still cannot refuse to perform a same-sex marriage based on religious beliefs.
It should be noted that proposed Senate and House amendments, offered by Senator Kevin Witkos and Representative Larry Cafero respectively, to provide parents the option to remove their children from classes that were teaching about same-sex marriage were defeated. However, the debates on these proposals created a significant legislative record stating that parents could remove their children under currently existing state law. An amendment on the bill would have made this provision clear to parents and school boards. Now such a request is open to interpretation by school administrators and the courts. Parents rights lost out with the failure of these amendments.
Senate Vote House Vote
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The bill passed in the Senate and House, and was signed by Governor Rell with an amendment protecting religious liberties.
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SB 1098
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Corporate Laws Relating to the Catholic Church
Modifies corporate laws relating to certain religious corporations; revises the corporate governance provisions applicable to the Roman Catholic Church.
This legislation was viewed as a direct assault on the Catholic Church in Connecticut. The bill would have redefined how Catholic parishes are organized and would have dramatically altered the role of the pastor and bishop in relation to parish. Its enactment would have been a direct violation of First Amendment protections concerning the separation of church and state.
The scheduled public hearing was cancelled after tremendous outcry from the Catholic Bishops of Connecticut, clergy, the lay faithful, members of other religious communities and public officials. The bill was eventually taken of the list of bills for consideration by the Judiciary Committee.
The Republican leadership scheduled on informal public hearing held on the same day as the rally opposing the bill. Those presenting formal testimony on behalf of the Catholic Church were; John Garvey, Dean, Boston College School of Law; Fr. Rick Ryscavage, Director, Center for Public Policy, Fairfield University; Kerry Robinson, Executive Director, National Leadership Roundtable on Church Managing; Kevin Baine, Williams & Connolly, Washington, D.C.; James Stapleton and Michael Shea, Day Pitney; Sr. Elizabeth McDonough, Pontifical College, Columbus,Ohio
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Bill was withdrawn by Judiciary Committee
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HB 6245
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Task Force on Domestic Violence
Concerns the recommendations of the task force on domestic violence in immigrant communities; implements the recommendations of the task force on Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities.
The Connecticut Catholic Conference was the initiator of this legislation, was a member of the Task Force and testified in favor of the legislation.
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The bill was voted out of the
House 142 – 0, but failed to
be acted upon by the Senate before the June 3rd legislative deadline. |
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HB 6600
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Establishment of the Sustinet Plan
Concerns the establishment of the Sustinet Universal health care insurance plan.
The Connecticut Catholic Conference testified in favor of this legislation and is a member of the Interfaith Fellowship for Universal Health Care.
Connecticut Catholic Conference Testimony
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The bill was voted out of the House and Senate along party lines. It is awaiting action by the Governor.
Update: Bill was vetoed by Governor on July 8th, but overriden by the General Assembly. |
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HB 6578
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Abolition of Death Penalty
Concerns the penalty for a capital felony; replaces the death penalty with a penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of release for certain murders committed on or after the effective date of this act.
The Connecticut Catholic Conference testified in favor of the bill and is a member of a coalition working for its passage.
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The bill was passed by the House and Senate, but was vetoed by the Governor on June 5, 2009.
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HB 6452
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Discrimination – Gender Identity
Concerns discrimination; prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression.
Note: The bill contains a provision to exempt religious institutions. This provision is very similar to the exemption in the existing sexual orientation statutes and was placed in the bill at the request of the Connecticut Catholic Conference. This bill was merged with SB 1125, which failed to be voted out of the Judiciary Committee by their deadline.
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Bill was not voted on by Judiciary Committee deadline of April 3, 2009.
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HB 6532
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Sexual Assault-Statute of Limitations
Concerns the statute of limitations for bringing an action for damages for the sexual assault of a minor; allows the bringing of an action to recover damages for personal injury to a minor caused by sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or sexual assault after the statute of limitations has run if there is newly discovered evidence.
Note: Testimony was presented against the legislation by St. Francis Hospital and the Connecticut Catholic Conference.
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Bill was never placed on the Judiciary Committee agenda for a committee vote. |
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SB 283
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Corporation Business Tax Credit For Scholarships
Concerns a corporation business tax credit for donations to scholarship funds; provides a tax credit to corporations that donate to scholarship funds for nonpublic school students who are below a certain income.
Note: The Federation of Catholic School Parents was supporting this bill.
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No action taken by the Finance Committee
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SB 1138
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Death With Dignity-Assisted Suicide
Concerns death with dignity; allows a competent terminally ill patient to self-administer medication to end his or her life after evaluation by physicians and counseling, the passage of a waiting period and the completion of a formal, witnessed request for such medication.
Note: The legislation died in committee. The Judiciary Committee cancelled a scheduled public hearing on the bill.
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Bill was withdrawn by the Judiciary Committee.
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HB 5213, HB 5783,
SB 286
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Earned Income Tax Credit
Concerns an earned income tax credit; takes advantage of the model provided by the federal program, and to contribute to the revitalization of the state's economy.
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No action taken by the Finance Committee
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SB 471
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Textbook Loan Program
Concerns a textbook loan program; establishes a textbook loan program for Connecticut students attending nonpublic schools.
Note: The Federation of Catholic School Parents was supporting this bill.
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No action taken by the Education Committee
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