Conn. Lawmakers Back Gay Civil Unions

Lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a bill that would make Connecticut the second state to offer civil unions to gay couples.
Last week, the state House passed the measure, but amended it to define marriage under Connecticut law as between one man and one woman.
The Senate approved the amended bill Wednesday 26-8 and sent it to Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who has said she will sign it.
The measure would give gay couples many of the rights and privileges available to married couples.
Vermont is the only state to allow civil unions. Massachusetts allows gay couples to marry.