Statement of Attorney General Richard Blumenthal on Supreme Court Decision to legalize gay marriage.

The state's highest court today ruled that Connecticut law limiting marriage to heterosexual couples violates the state constitutional guarantee of equal protection for all. The State Supreme Court is the ultimate authority on all state law, and its ruling on the state constitution must be respected.

The legislature enacted, and we defended, a civil union law intended to provide all of the privileges and benefits associated with marriage to same-sex couples. The State Supreme Court determined that the law fails to meet state constitutional standards.

My office is reviewing the decision to determine whether any further action is necessary to conform our laws and procedures to the State Supreme Court's ruling. Today's decision is effective Oct. 28 and requires action by the Superior Court before it can be implemented.

No appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is possible because this decision was solely an interpretation of state constitutional law.