Same-sex couples (including Robin and Barbara Levine-Ritterman of New Haven, pictured with their daughter Miya) have been granted the right to marry in Connecticut, in an historic state Supreme Court ruling.

The court ruled 4-3 this morning that Connecticut's civil union law does not provide equal protection to same-sex couples under the state Constitution. The Connecticut Supreme Court becomes the third in the nation, following Massachussetts and California, to rule same-sex marriage legal.

The majority wrote that "in light of the history of pernicious discrimination faced by gay men and lesbians, and because the institution of marriage carries with it a status and significance that the newly created classification of civil unions does not embody, the segregation of heterosexual and homosexual couples into separate institutions constitutes a cognizable harm."

Click hereto download the majority opinion and the three dissenting opinions.

Republican Gov. Jodi Rell issued a statement minutes after the decision that said she disagreed with it, but would honor it. Rell urged opponents not to fight the ruling legislatively or through a Constitutional amendment because they'd be unlikely to "meet with success."

“I disagree with today’s State Supreme Court ruling but as governor, I will uphold it," Rell's statement said. "I continue to believe that marriage is the union of a man and a woman.

"I also believe that the historic civil union law that I proudly signed in 2005 is equitable and just. We were the first state to enact such a law through legislative action and not a court mandate. The Supreme Court has spoken. I do not believe their voice reflects the majority of the people of Connecticut. However, I am also firmly convinced that attempts to reverse this decision – either legislatively or by amending the state Constitution – will not meet with success. I will therefore abide by the ruling.”

Senate President Donald Williams (D-Brooklyn) released a statement, saying: “This historic ruling will provide additional security and protections to thousands of loving, committed same-sex couples and their children living in Connecticut. The plaintiffs, advocates, and above all –the people of Connecticut – should celebrate this civil rights victory. We look forward do implementing the Supreme Court’s decision in a bi-partisan manner.”

Click here for background on the case of Kerrigan, Mock, et. al. vs. Commissioner of Public Health.

GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates & Defenders), the group that argued the case for the eight gay and lesbian plaintiff couples will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. at the Hartford Downtown Hilton.

A victory rally is planned at the Capitol for 5:30 p.m. today.

Stay tuned to the Daily Advocate for updates.