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Vermont
Following Baker v. Vermont, in which three same-sex couples sued for marriage rights, in 1999, Vermont's Supreme Court ordered its legislature to pass a law that would eradicate legal inequality between same-sex and different-sex couples. In 2000, the legislature responded with the historic (if only partial) breakthrough of civil unions. At first, the civil unions law had some strong opposition; some of its backers failed to be reelected to the state legislature. But the ground has shifted dramatically in the direction of equality in Vermont. In 2004, Democrats retook the Vermont House by a substantial margin. By 2006, Democratic, Progressive, and Democratic-leaning Independents made up 2/3 of Vermont's House and Senate. In 2007, a marriage equality bill was introduced into the state legislature.
From July 2007 to April 2008, the state conducted a Commission on Family Recognition and Protectionwith hearings throughout the state in order to review and evaluate Vermont's laws relating to the recognition and protection of same-sex couples and the families. The Commission published their report on April 21, 2008 and found that civil unions are indeed falling short of the promise of fairness and equality. The legislature is expected to address the failing law in the 2009 legislative session.
FROM EVAN WOLFSON:
"Marriage Makes a Word of
Difference"
Originally published by
Portland Mercury
June 14, 2007
By Evan Wolfson
Evan Wolfson answers the question so often asked of same-sex
couples wanting to end their exclusion from marriage, "Why
can't you just call it something else?," by explaining how
the "clarity, security, and dignity [of the word marriage] is
precious and irreplaceable."
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WHERE YOU CAN GO TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE:
Vermont Freedom to Marry
A coalition of individuals and associations in Vermont who support the freedom for same-sex couples to enter into civil marriages. Their aim is to educate Vermonters regarding the issues surrounding the freedom to marry. And because "marriage is a basic human right and an individual choice."
Equality Vermont
Through social outreach, educational opportunities and political action, Equality VT strives to promote civil rights, personal empowerment and social acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Vermonters.
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders: Vermont
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) is New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.
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LEGISLATIVE STATUS IN VERMONT:
Your Community—Vermont
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
HRC presents resources, news, and the current marriage and
relationship recognition laws in each state.
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THE NUMBERS: POLLING & STATISTICS:
Vermonters’ support for ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage tops the opposition by a 20-point margin (57% to 36%). [ORC Macro International, February 2008]
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PUBLICATIONS:
Report of the Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection
The Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection (the "Commission") reviews and evaluates Vermont's laws relating to the recognition and protection of same-sex couples and the families they form. Civil unions are found to not provide the fairness and equality they were intended to offer same-sex couples and their families.
Vermont Census Snapshot
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this report provides demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in Vermont.
Vermont Freedom to Marry Advocacy Materials
VFTM offers various publications on marriage equality in Vermont.
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NEWS:
View news about the fight for the freedom to marry in Vermont.
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MULTIMEDIA:
VIDEO: Clip of Voices of Vermonters
Voices of Vermonters is a 13 minute video that captures the importance of civil marriage equality for same-sex couples and their families. You will hear from Vermonters around the state who share their personal stories to address the issues surrounding civil marriage equality. It was co-directed by Deb Ellis and Nora Jacobson.
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The Advocate
March 26, 2008
A majority of Vermont residents -- 54% -- say they favor marriage equality, according to an unofficial survey taken March 11. The results represent an 8% increase over last year, WPTZ in Montpelier reported Monday.
Williams Institute
December 2007
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this report provides demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in Vermont.
Voices of Vermonters is a 13 minute video that captures the importance of civil marriage equality for same-sex couples and their families. You will hear from Vermonters around the state who share their personal stories to address the issues surrounding civil marriage equality. It was co-directed by Deb Ellis and Nora Jacobson.
