HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – Connecticut on Wednesday became the second state to recognize same-sex civil unions, and the first to do so without court pressure.

About an hour after the state Senate sent the legislation to her desk, Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed a bill that will allow thousands of gay and lesbian couples in Connecticut to be given the same rights and obligations as heterosexual couples, but not an actual marriage license.

Last week, the House of Representatives amended the bill to define marriage under Connecticut law as existing between one man and one woman.

The Senate gave final legislative approval to the amended bill Wednesday afternoon on a 26-8 vote.