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Loading ...Vermont showdown looms
04.06.2009 12:10pm EDT
(Montpelier, Vermont) Legislation that would allow same-sex couples to marry arrives on Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas’ desk today with the Republican governor expected to veto it as early as tonight.
Throughout the weekend, House Democratic leaders worked the phones attempting to build enough votes to override a veto. But as of Monday morning it was unclear if they had succeeded.The legislation passed the House last week 94-52. It would need 100 votes to overturn a veto. Both sides on the issue predicted it could come down to just two or three votes.
While the Democratic leadership worked to build support ordinary citizens, both supporters and opponents of gay marriage, were flooding lawmakers e-mail boxes. Electronic mail to the State House has more than doubled in the days following House passage of the bill.
Adding to the uncertainty is what effect Friday’s ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in Iowa will have on Vermont. It has emboldened both LGBT activists and supporters of traditional marriage.
The bill passed the Senate with an overwhelming majority – enough to ensure it is veto proof.
Vermont was the first state in the country to legalize civil unions in 2000. Since then LGBT groups have criticized the law for creating a “two tiered” system – marriage for opposite-sex couples and civil unions for gays.
If the House manages to override Douglas’ veto same-sex couples would be able to marry in Vermont beginning Sept. 1. Civil unions, which confer some rights similar to marriage, would still be recognized but no longer granted after Sept. 1.
An impact study released last month suggests there is a link between the economy and gay marriage.
The study, by the Williams Institute at UCLA, found that approval of gay marriage in Vermont could generate $31 million in new spending and $3.3 million in state taxes over three years.
Last November, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the Boston-based LGBT rights group that brought the successful legal challenges leading to same-sex marriage in Massachusetts and Connecticut launched the “Six by Twelve” campaign to legalize gay marriage throughout all six New England states by 2012.
Could someone familiar with the Vermont legal system clue me in as to the prospect of taking Marriage Equality to the VT Supreme Court if the gutless, backstabbing democrats in the House don’t want to bother to override this a*shole Governor’s veto. I mean can this issue be settled in court? Does VT have a referendum system?
It’s not the Democrats, it boils down to the decision of just ONE man, just like in CALI, the men are Republican Governors…. The republicans that claim the “Liberal” judges want to make important decisions like Marriage Equality…
Yes it seems like this Gov. and others are in position(s) to play GOD and with a stroke of the pen, they can ruin our lives! ;( sad.
Answers for Shawn: NO, Vermont does not have initiative and referendum. (Thank God!) As for the Supreme Court, they were involved in the 1999 compromise which defined “civil union” in order to get the thing through the legislature in the first place. (How far we have come already.) So the Supreme Court is not likely to overturn civil unions in favor of Marriage. The best thing is to get rid of the Republican governor. Then the legislature can legislate as they should.
I really really really hope the House gets enough votes!!! (I also hope Governor Douglas doesn’t veto this at all, but, hey.)
I’m hoping the ruling in Iowa makes him reconsider, but if he does veto it, I’m hoping there are six defiant representatives who will vote for the bill now because of the veto.
I just really want a second state to introduce marriage equality this year. I think it’ll make the radical right’s heads explode.
I believe there are 9 Democrats in the House that voted against the bill, I spent the majority of yesterday getting signatures to try to get 2 of them to change their vote. I know of two others who stated to the press they would change their vote in the case of a veto. I am hoping that we can get as many of those Democrats to change their votes as possible, I don’t think too many of them are a fan of Douglas. Fingers crossed.
We are 5-6 votes away from equality.
Getting a 2/3 majority for any piece of legislation is difficult, much less for such a controversial one. The fact that we are so close now is a reason in and of itself to take heart.
We need to work hard to get those votes. If we do not, we need to realize that this is a long struggle. We need to weed out all the politicians who do not support equality of all citizens and/or allow their religion to cloud their judgement and not respect the separation of church and state.
The answer is simple for Vermont, an all out effort must be made to defeat Jim Douglas. Even if it passes, a man of this caliber should not be the governor of Vermont. Vermont can do better, and Veront deserves better. In addition, all of those who voted “NO” should be held accountable for their decision. They should be also be removed from office by democratic means. On a positive note, we must ensure that only fair minded leaders, committed to equality for all, are elected to public office. We must support those who support us. And, we must refuse to support those who do not support us or offer us separate but equal status.
Actually Scotty there are 9 “democrats” in the House who voted against this bill. THOSE are the ones I was referring to when I said “gutless democrats”. Freakin’ Republicrats will be the DEATH of us!!
Matt said “I spent the majority of yesterday getting signatures to try to get 2 of them to change their vote.”
Matt, thank you for your hard work!
If anyones interested here is his address:
Jim Douglas
109 State Street
Pavilion, Montpelier, VT
05609-0101
Its official. Douglas went through with the veto. Damnit!
MONTPELIER — Gov. Jim Douglas has vetoed legislation that would allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in Vermont.
Douglas delivered his veto message back to the Senate on the same-sex marriage bill, saying the legislature does not provide any more rights to same-sex couples and that he believes civil unions are sufficient.
The governor’s veto came moments after the state Senate voted to concur with a House gay marriage bill that was passed last week.
The governor’s office had his veto message prepared when the bill was delivered by a Senate staff member.
In his message, Douglas says even if the bill were to become law, federal benefits would still be denied to same-sex couples in Vermont.
The House and Senate are expected to try to override the governor’s veto on Tuesday.
The Senate will convene at 9 a.m. Tuesday to vote again to override governor’s veto.
The Senate is expected to override the veto, while it’s unclear what the House will do.
The Vermont Constitution provides that 2/3 of the members PRESENT are needed to override a governor’s veto. So far, 5 members who voted against the bill have said they will vote to override. So either 1 more vote is needed, or 2 people need to not show up. Tuesday could be a great day! Don
The Gov is right. Marriage will not confer Federal benefits. We must also work to overturn that Defense of Marriage Act! I believe that a group in Boston plans to challenge some parts of it in Federal Court
Burlington Free Press will broadcast the legislature’s vote live on their website. The Senate begins at 9am, and the all-important House begins at 10am. My prayers are with all of the incredibly dedicated community members and our many straight allies in VT. Your efforts inspire us all and the world will be watching! http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/
The Governor is an ass. “Marriage doesn’t offer any more benefits than civil unions”? Really? Yes it does. And who the hell is this ass to come up with such a pompous, lordly statement–like he’s being gracious by allowing the peasants a full day of rest each week. I’d like to see how that arrogance plays to both legislators and Vermonters in general.