Officials brace for rush of same-sex unions Associated Press. Published 12:00 am EDT, Sunday, September 25, 2005 MIDDLETOWN As a new law allowing same-sex civil unions takes effect next week, justices of the peace, clergy and town clerks are entering uncharted waters. “On Oct. 1, civil unions become law in Connecticut, but there is not a JP in that room who knows what to do with it,” said Saul Haffner, president of Justices of the Peace of Connecticut, which held a conference Saturday to answer questions about civil unions. “It’s going to be a mess.” Connecticut is the first state to pass […]
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Press Release: 1/13/2019
Changes to 1-Day Solemnizer Rule Recommended FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2019, Fairfield, CT. Significant problems with the state’s one-day solemnizer rule were identified by the Justice of the Peace Association in a white paper submitted to Governor Charlie Baker’s office last week. The Governor appoints Justices of the Peace to perform marriages and process the paperwork required to make the relationship legal. The one-day solemnizer rule allows friends and family to officiate, oftentimes with troublesome results. Most people think when the officiant says “I now pronounce you…” is the most important part of the marriage. But in reality, witnessing […]
CT JP Legislation 2025
The Justice of the Peace Association has highlighted key points of HB7150, An Act Concerning Justices of the Peace. In addition, the unauthenticated bill language, which was released on March 5, 2025, is below with key provisions relating to JPs that perform marriages highlighted. Key Points of HB7150: “Official misconduct” is defined. An investigation and consequences are established for misconduct. JPs are liable for damages due to misconduct; Employers (not couples) are liable to persons and/or JPs for JP misconduct if it was at the employer’s direction. JPs must pass a written exam No one to use JP title to […]
Submit Testimony Supporting HB7510
Sign Up Now Register to speak in-person or by Zoom. Deadline to sign-up is 3PM Sunday. Three minute time limit. The speaker order is randomized and is released at 6PM on Sunday night. Submit your written testimony here. The hearing is on March 10, 2025 at 10:30AM. Indicate that you SUPPORT HB7510. Sample Letter to Legislators Please customize to reflect your experience. Indented text prompts for customization. Planning and Development Committee March 10, 2025 Public Hearing on H.B. 7510, An Act Concerning Justices of the Peace Good Day, Senator Rahman, Representative Kavros DeGraw, Senator Gordon, Representative Zullo, and distinguished members […]
Summer Weddings
The blissful warmth of summer sets the perfect stage for outdoor wedding ceremonies, where love and nature unite in harmonious celebration. With its vibrant colors, gentle breezes, and abundant sunshine, the summer season offers an idyllic backdrop for couples to exchange vows and embark on a lifelong journey together. Summer outdoor weddings continue to captivate hearts. Beautiful Settings One of the most enchanting aspects of a summer outdoor wedding ceremony is the natural beauty that surrounds the venue. Lush gardens, blooming flowers, and breathtaking landscapes create an unparalleled atmosphere. Imagine saying “I do” beneath a cascading arch of vibrant blooms […]
VT Action Alert – Child Marriage
CALL TO ACTION in VERMONT End Child Marriage Ask the YOUR REPRESENTATIVE to Vote YES on H 148 Please take a few minutes to email or call your Representative and ask them to vote YES on H 148 Raising the Age of Marriage to 18. The House Committee on Judiciary is meeting on Thursday, February 16, 2023. There is no need for 16 & 17 year old children to marry – this isn’t about maturity, it is about legal rights. A child cannot retain an attorney, access domestic violence shelters, or sign a lease on a rental. New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey have already passed legislation making the age of marriage […]
Weddings are Like an Iceberg
Planning a wedding can be complicated. Lots of moving parts that need to fit together just right. When it goes well – beautiful! It looks easy-peasy. No one is the wiser to all the muss and fuss that went into getting the details just right. That is because all the work is hidden, like an iceberg! The work of a marriage officiant is like that, too. Marriage Officiants When officiants perform a marriage, all that most people see is the short ceremony culminating with pronouncements. Similar to other presentations, a lot of work goes into making it perfect. Loved ones […]
Hartford Courant – 11/19/2006
Tying the Knot can be a tangle. By: Lynne Tuohy, Courant Staff 11/19/2006 NEW BRITAIN – Justices of the peace usually work in an atmosphere of joy and celebration, joining partners in marriage and civil unions amid a throng of well-wishers with champagne chilling in the background. But it can be harrowing work at times. Just ask Eleanor Tomaszewski of Middletown, a justice of the peace for 18 years. Over coffee before the second annual Conference for Connecticut Justices of the Peace got underway Saturday at Central Connecticut State University, Tomaszewski launched into an impromptu comedy routine of her experiences. […]
MA Legislative Poll 2021
We are thrilled that Senator Anne Gobi is taking the lead and resubmitting the Resolve to Evaluate the One-Day Solemnizer Rule. In addition, she is also submitting two Bills that support JPs. Before doing this, she asked Massachusetts JPus members to weigh in. These are the poll results. 100% of the Massachusetts JPs who responded to our poll would like to have the fees they may charge increased. 93% of the JPs who responded to our poll would like the application fees for 1-Day Solemnizers increased. Comments provided by survey respondents, edited for clarity & length Thank you […]
Union Leader: 7/17/2020
The following op-ed was published in the New Hampshire Union Leader on July 17, 2020. It calls for Governor Sununu to issue an executive order to undo the temporary marriage officiant authorization. Loretta Jay: Amendment undermines marriages… literally ON THE second to last day of the session, the New Hampshire Senate tacked an unrelated amendment onto a guaranteed-to-pass bill. This move, done without notifying constituents, gives anyone temporary authorization to officiate a marriage. This will increase the risk of coronavirus spread. The House passed the bill the next day. New Hampshire needs Governor Sununu to step in and halt this […]
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