Family Institute Wants To Intervene In Gay Marriage Lawsuit

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - A conservative group trying to derail a lawsuit over gay marriage asked the state Supreme Court on Thursday to allow it present evidence that children are harmed by living with gay and lesbian couples.
Seven gay couples are suing the state, claiming that Connecticut's marriage laws are unconstitutional because they treat homosexuals and heterosexuals differently. Lawyers in the case used a similar argument to win gay marriage in Massachusetts.
The Family Institute of Connecticut, which opposes gay marriage, wants to intervene in the gay couples' lawsuits. The institute argues that it has studies showing children are being endangered by being raised in gay families.
The group believes that the Supreme Court would be redefining the long-standing definition of marriage.
Attorneys for the gay couples argue that the Family Institute has no standing in the case and should not be allowed to present evidence simply because it believes it has a better argument.
Connecticut lawmakers recently approved civil unions, becoming the first state to offer the right without a court order. The 2000 U.S. Census found about 7,400 same-sex couples in Connecticut.
Arguments before the high court began at 11 a.m. The court does not normally issue decisions from the bench.
from Newsday