Connecticut House passes same-sex civil union bill with marriage amendment News
Connecticut House passes same-sex civil union bill with marriage amendment

[JURIST] Following the state Senate's passage of a similar bill [JURIST report] last week, the Connecticut House passed legislation 80-67 late Wednesday allowing same-sex civil unions but adding an amendment specifically defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. In a statement [text], Gov. M. Jodi Rell approved of the passage and called the bill "a stronger and clearer" piece of legislation that she vowed to sign if senators sign off on the amended version. If the Senate signs off when they take up the issue next week, Connecticut would become the first state to voluntarily establish civil unions without court pressure. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.