Some more good news on the local marriage equality scene: Senator Tom Plant and Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald are proposing a ballot measure that would legalize civil unions for same-sex couples.
The referred measure would need a two-thirds vote in each house to get on the November ballot. It would not require the signature Gov. Bill Owens.
The measure would give same-sex couples the right to visitation and to be involved in the care of hospital patients and nursing home residents, inheritance and pension benefits, access to a partner’s health care benefits and family leave benefits, and the right to take possession of a deceased partner’s remains.
It’s not legalizing marriage, but it’s a step in the right direction.