Connecticut's Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry, making the northeastern State the third behind Massachusetts and California to legalise gay and lesbian unions.

The court ruled 4-3 that gay and lesbian couples cannot be denied the freedom to marry under the state constitution.

The decision is seen as a logical next step for Connecticut, which was the first US State to voluntarily pass laws affirming and protecting civil unions.

The ruling comes just weeks before Californians go to the polls with a historic gay-marriage ballot question – which is the first time the issue will be put to voters.

More on the story is on 365gay.com, linked below.