Comments on: Vermont showdown looms

By: Ed

Ed — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:50:05 +0000

I just got word from relative back in Vermont that the Vermont legislator has overrode Gov. Douglas’ Veto.!!!! So now it’s law!!!!! Finally!

By: drewski

drewski — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:44:23 +0000

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.

By: ScottNH

ScottNH — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:32:56 +0000

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/

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:58:06 +0000

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

By: Prof. Donald Gaudard

Prof. Donald Gaudard — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:27:00 +0000

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

By: Robby

Robby — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:38:44 +0000

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.

By: Robby

Robby — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:23:13 +0000

If anyones interested here is his address:
Jim Douglas
109 State Street
Pavilion, Montpelier, VT
05609-0101

By: Patrick in Connecticut

Patrick in Connecticut — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:29:19 +0000

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!

By: shawn

shawn — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:15:00 +0000

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!!

By: Brad

Brad — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:00:29 +0000

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.