Connecticut Senate Bill SB00333

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/10
• Refer: 2/25/10
• Report Pass: 3/29/10
• Refer: 4/6/10
• Report Pass: 4/13/10
• Engrossed: 4/21/10
• Report Pass: 4/22/10

Caption

An Act Concerning The Validation Of Certain Marriages And Civil Unions.

Impact

If passed, this bill would amend current statutes by repealing sections related to the validation of marriages and civil unions that lacked proper licensing or officiant certification. It would ensure that these unions are recognized, thus providing legal certainty to parties involved. This focuses on protecting those who entered marriages and civil unions in good faith, reinforcing the state's commitment to uphold such personal unions despite technical discrepancies in the officiating process.

Summary

SB00333, an Act Concerning the Validation of Certain Marriages and Civil Unions, aims to retroactively validate marriages and civil unions that occurred prior to specific legislation. The proposed bill addresses instances where marriages celebrated were deemed invalid due to the officiant, specifically justices of the peace, not holding valid certificates of qualification. The bill allows such unions to be recognized as valid, provided that there was a reasonable reliance on the officiant's representation of their qualifications at the time of the ceremony.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB00333 appears to be largely supportive, as it aims to rectify past oversights affecting individuals' unions. Advocates for the bill argue that it promotes fairness and acknowledges the emotional and legal implications for couples who believed their marriages were valid. There is a sense of urgency in passing the bill, as it addresses significant social justice concerns regarding the validation of relationships based on technicalities rather than substantive validity.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the fairness of validating marriages retroactively and the implications for future officiant certification processes. Critics could argue that this bill sets a precedent that might encourage negligence regarding proper certification among officiants. Additionally, there might be concerns about how such retroactive validation intersects with the broader legal landscape of marriage and civil rights, particularly amidst ongoing discussions about marriage equality.