How would the bill’s mandate on recognizing foreign civil unions work?
No country currently authorizes civil unions. However, the general rule is likely to be that foreign civil unions involving Connecticut residents will be afforded the same recognition afforded to couples who entered into civil unions here, so long as (1) the foreign country’s civil union laws were followed and (2) the individuals involved could have legally entered into a civil union in Connecticut. This is the same standard that currently applies to Connecticut residents who enter into foreign heterosexual marriages. Courts may determine that other non-statutory rules, such as comity, require the state to recognize foreign civil unions involving non-Connecticut residents.
