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Gay
Marriage Bill
Introduced In Vermont
by
365Gay.com From the Web, February 7, 2007
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Montpellier, Vermont --
Legislation that would replace Vermont's landmark civil union law with same-sex
marriage was introduced Wednesday at the State House.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Mark Larson (D) and has 32 house members and 10
senators as co-sponsors.
"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.
Introduction of the legislation was hailed by LGBT rights groups.
"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
Schwarzenegger. Meanwhile the issue of same-sex marriage will come before
the California Supreme Court this year.
The highest court in Maryland will also hear as same-sex marriage case 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.
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