|
365Gay.com
 |
Gays Urge
Vermont Legislators
To Dump
Civil Unions
by
365Gay.com from the Web, October 12, 2007
|
| |
|
Montpelier, Vermont --
Vermont's seven year experiment with civil unions for same-sex couples should be
scrapped a blue ribbon panel created by the legislature has been told.
Nearly 100 people -- almost all of them in same-sex partnerships -- turned out
for a public meeting of the Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and
Protection at Johnson State College Wednesday night.
Vermont was the first state to recognize gay and lesbian partnerships when it
created civil unions in 2000.
For 90 minutes the commissioners heard that the law has failed to provide the
protections of marriage.
"Until we can marry in Vermont and in every other state in this nation, and
until the federal government recognizes our marriages, our families will be less
secure... we will face greater obstacles," Ellen Hill told the panel.
She said that if she should die before her partner of 10 years, "she will not
get my Social Security."
If they were legally married, Hill noted, the surviving spouse would receive
survivor benefits.
Another speaker, Jeff Towsley, said he has been in a relationship with his
partner for 23 years.
In 2000 after they had a civil union he notified his employer -- the post
office, a branch of the federal government.
"I got a letter back that said congratulations on your civil union but it means
nothing," he told the commissioners.
Speaker Robert Ranahan told the panel that he had to include the value of the
health coverage for his partner as income for federal tax purposes, but a
married couple wouldn't.
Ranahan said that even though the couple jointly own their property, "if one of
us dies, the property will be subject to inheritance tax."
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.
A group opposed to same-sex marriage is boycotting the hearings. Vermont
Renewal accused lawmakers of packing the committee with supporters of same-sex
marriage.
The group's president, Stephen Cable said that allowing gay and lesbian couples
to wed would lead to the legalization of polygamy and incest.
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.
Vermont was the first state to create civil unions. This year New Jersey
began offering civil unions after the state Supreme Court said it must offer
same-sex couples the same rights as married opposite-sex couples.
But like Vermont, same-sex couples in New Jersey have found the system does not
work.
|
