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Loading ...Vt House tries to override gay marriage veto
04.07.2009 9:07am EDT
(Montpelier, Vermont) Vermont lawmakers Tuesday will attempt to override Gov. Jim Douglas’ veto of a bill to allow same-sex couples to marry. The Republican governor, as expected, nixed the bill Monday night when it arrived on his desk.
In a prepared statement, the governor attempted to portray himself as a moderate, putting the blame on the federal defense of marriage law.“This legislation does not address the inequalities espoused by proponents,” the statement said. “Regardless of whether the term marriage is applied, federal benefits will still be denied to same-sex couples in Vermont.”
Douglas said that the legislation does not provide any additional benefits not already available under Vermont’s civil unions law.
The veto sends the bill back to the Democratically controlled legislature, where it needs a two-thirds vote to override it.
The Senate will easily override the veto. It approved the marriage bill by an overwhelming majority. But the House is a different matter. It passed the bill last week 94-52. It would need 100 votes to overturn the veto. Both sides on the issue have predicted it could come down to just two or three votes – possibly less.
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 overrides the veto, the bill would become law.
It would amend the existing civil unions law to allow marriage of same-sex partners beginning Sept. 1. Civil unions, which confer some rights similar to marriage, would still be recognized but no longer granted after Sept. 1.
The bill also would guarantee that churches would not be obligated to marry same-sex couples.
Again, They say “liberal judges” going against “will of the people,” at least that is plural. This man, like Arnold in Cali. has played “god” with people’s rights!
Wake up, get rid of these “Christian” right wing, Republican, “Conservatives”!!
Only thing they are conserving is HATE and Inequality! I can’t wait for his grandchildren to get older and whether any are gay or not, they will no doubt see that their ancestor was on the wrong side of EQUALITY!
I would be ashamed to be connected to him and same for Arnold Shwarzinazi.
We are all wishing for the best!!
Vermont YOU CAN DO IT!
According to the Vermont’s current non-progressive, socially Neanderthal governor, same-sex marriage is not currently recognized under DOMA, but at least, if Vermont passed it, gay couples would have a cause of action to join in legal opposition against the federal DOMA. That cannot be the case with Civil Unions. Likewise, DOMA does prevent state legislatures from passing same-sex marriage equality within their borders that can be also be recognized in other states willing to do so.
Accordingly, many such marriages are portable to other states that have same-sex marriages — but not, in most cases, Civil Unions or Domestic Partnerships. Even New York (which does not provide for same-sex marriage) recognizes same-sex marriages as valid marriages. Contrary wise, Civil Unions are not recognized in New York, so valid reasons for the portability of same-sex marriage (and the protections they carry with them inter-state) are a practical justification for Vermont to codify same-sex marriages and to relinquish the outmoded Civil Union apartheid system. Add Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa to the mix — states which do honor full marriage equality for same-sex couples — and you create a network of states where this right is truly portable.
Last, but not least, Civil Unions are nothing more than matrimonial separate water fountains created to segregate homosexuals from heterosexuals as a state sponsored public declaration to the inplied inferiority of homosexual committed couples. That miscarriage of justice alone is ample justification for the Vermont legislature to right that historical wrong and provide the same legally recognized nomenclature for exactly the same legal classification for the same official status as every other legally committed couple — gay or straight — and that classification is MARRIAGE.
Nothing less with do. Anything less is an affront to the very concept of equality.
(c) Bud Evans, 2009
I wonder what group we should blame this time if it fails. The Mormons, or the African Americans, maybe even the Hispanic population.
Since the poster “Just Curious” brought the subject up (and this has nothing to do with what’s going on in Vermont)
CNN Exit polls:·
A staggering 75% of black women voted YES on Prop 8.
54% of Latino men voted YES, and 52% of Latino women voted YES on Prop 8.
Collectively, 70% of Blacks (Male and Female) voted YES on Prop 8 – the largest anti-gay minority voting block. MORE than any other racial minority.
*** A slim majority of Whites, 51% voted NO on Prop 8. ***
61% of young people (18-24) voted NO Prop 8.
59% of 25-29 year olds voted NO Prop 8.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/polls/#CAI01p1
Reply
So, you see, if you want to talk about Prop 8 in California, “Just Curious” then just do the the math. Black are. per capita, statistically more homophobic and bigoted than Whites, followed by Hispanics. Those are the facts. Relly pathetic considering how so many liberal, pro-civil rights homosexuals had supported them in their struggles when they needed the help. Pathetic indeed.
I hope that the Vermont legislature overrides the Governor’s veto. But whether they do or not, we have already won a great victory there. The very fact that the Senate approved marriage equality by a 24-6 vote, and the House by a 95-52 vote is astounding. What other state’s legislature (except perhaps that of Massachusetts) would approve marriage equality by such margins. This speaks well of the success of grassroots organizing in Vermont and of the success of the Civil Unions bill. People in Vermont realize that the sky will not fall is people are treated fairly and equally. Thank you Vermont!
Just curious says he wonders who to blame this time if it fails…just read the factless, baseless claims of the anti-liberty legislators…the religious fear-based crap that continues…ie…it leads to pediphile – right being gay does that, not being a catholic priest. Which has been proven? You’re right “pissed off”. Why do you think Obama won? Real Americans are tired of the “right-wing christian conservatives” They suffocate you with their rhetoric. It is a sign on the times…they, alas, are a minority…on their way out…bon voyage!!!! It’s time for America to be strong & proud again. Not hate & hated.
We’ll blame “just curious” if it fails – that should make him/her happy.
The Vermont Senate and the House of Representatives both just voted to override the governor’s veto. Vermont now has gay marriage.
The House passed the override, 100 to 49! They did it!!!!!!
We won! 100-49. Now on to NH, NY, and NJ.
IT PASSED! 100-49! GAY MARRIAGE IN VERMONT!!!
The state of Vermont has made history today and has become the first state to grant marriage equality through the legislative process without a court order. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
An historic occasion. Congratulations VT, not only for overriding the veto, but for having elected officials that are willing to make a stand for justice, equality and the American dream. You guys rock.
I want to see everyone out there, wearing hate with the circle/slashover hate. If asked what your shirt means, tell them that you don’t support hate towards anyone,or anything. That is what I’m going to do..so see you later with my hate shirt on.