''We wanted to make it completely clear that the state of Connecticut fully embraces not only the rights of same-sex couples to marry, but we fully embrace the rights and protections afforded by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Connecticut Constitution to the free exercise of religion.''

Andrew McDonald, Democratic state senator for Connecticut speaking after the passage of a bill that legalizes gay marriages but also states that religious organizations do not have to comply with or contribute any services to same-sex wedding ceremonies. Governor Jodi Rell signed the bill into law the next day. Connecticut had already legalized gay-inclusive civil unions in 2005, but the Supreme Court of Connecticut ruled last year that gay and lesbian couples still had the right to legally wed. Current civil unions are reportedly going to automatically become marriages in October 2010. (AP / Boston Globe)