Gay Marriage Bill Introduced In Vermont
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

Posted: February 7, 2007 - 3:00 pm ET

(Montpellier, Vermont) Legislation that would replace Vermont's landmark civil union law with same-sex marriage was introduced Wednesday at the State House.

"After seven years of civil unions, this is simply the right thing to do," Larson said in introducing the legislation.

The measure is similar to one Larson put forward last year but failed to gain support.

The legislation, Larson said, would do three things. First, it would give same-sex couples the right to marry. Secondly, it would allow clergy to refuse to perform a same-sex marriage if it violated their religious beliefs. Thirdly it would convert civil unions already performed into marriages.

In 2000 the Vermont Supreme Court ordered the legislature to recognize the rights of same-sex couples. The debate over civil unions opened up major rifts across the state, but sponsors of the gay marriage bill said the proposal is expected to move much more slowly.

If the measure passes and if Gov. Jim Douglas signs it, Vermont would become the second state to permit same-sex marriage. Connecticut and New Jersey allow civil unions.

"I don't see any likelihood, with the current political structure in Vermont, that a gay marriage bill is going to be enacted into law," said Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin, D-Windham. "Since the bill isn't likely to become law, we're not going to be having hearings in the Senate." There is a greater possibility of a hearing in the House.

Nevertheless, introduction of the legislation was hailed by LGBT rights groups who held a rally in front of Montpellier city hall.

"Part of the Vermont community is cut out of an important institution, the institution of marriage," Beth Robinson, chair of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, told the Rutland Herald. 

"We know that civil unions were a great first step. We also know they fall short of full protection."

Legislation has been submitted in the California legislature to allow same-sex marriage.  A similar bill was passed in 2005 but vetoed by Gov Arnold Schwarrzenegger. Meanwhile the issue of same-sex marriage will come before the California Supreme Court this year.

The highest court in Maryland is also expected to deliver a same-sex marriage ruling this year.

In New York State Gov. Elliott Spitzer has said he will propose a same-sex marriage during his first term although no date has been set.

©365Gay.com 2007

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