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365Gay.com
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Vermont
Commission
Mulling
Gay Marriage Nears End
From the
Web, December 19, 2007
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Montpelier, Vermont -- A state
appointed commission looking into Vermont's civil unions law and tasked with
determining if it should be amended to provide for same-sex marriage is nearing
its completion.
The commission has just three more public hearings -- scheduled to end in mid
February -- before it begins to prepare its report to the legislature.
The Commission on Family Recognition and Protection this week held hearings in
Montpelier and was told that while the state's civil union law -- the first of
its kind in the nation -- was a step forward same-sex couples still are not
equal.
It was the first time the traveling commission heard deputations in the state's
capital city and the session was a far cry from hearings that were conducted
seven years ago when the state was considering the civil unions bill.
Then, dozens of people from conservative groups opposed to the bill denounced
the measure and protestors carried signs outside.
This time there were no voices of dissent.
"Separate but equal did not work as a compromise in the civil rights movement
and it doesn't work here," Elaine Parker told the commission.
Justice of the Peace Beth Diamond said recalled that she had been excited to
perform her first civil union and then realized it was no different than
performing a civil marriage.
"I had two people before me who loved each other very much," she said.
"And I was lucky enough to have the honor to be officiating at their ceremony."
Robert Appel, the executive director of the Vermont Human Rights Commission,
disputed claims from some opponents of same-sex marriage that they would harm
traditional marriages.
"Civil unions have not weakened our communities," he said. "If anything,
they have enhanced them."
The citizens commission was appointed in July by the leaders of Vermont's House
and Senate -- both Democrats.
It is chaired by former state Rep. Tom Little (D). When he was a member of
the legislature Little was chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, when it
passed the law legalizing civil unions in 2000.
The committee will present its report to the legislature in the spring, but
nothing is expected to be done about it until after next year's election.
That would mean there is no likelihood of a bill before 2009.
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