Vermont Senate Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill 26-4
| By Phillip Minton - Mar 23, 2009 10:40:04 AM PT |
The first state in the union to issue civil unions to same-sex couples is now a step closer to issuing same-sex marriage licenses, possibly joining Connecticut and Massachusetts as the only states legalizing same-sex marriage.Impassioned pleas came from supportive senators who went to last week's public hearing, where opposition claimed that straight marriage was like a cruise ship full of heterosexual couples, and that homosexuals followed the vessel in their tiny dinghies but wanted to get on the straight marriage ship, not carrying whether or not they sank it. The underlining theme of this metaphor, said a senator, was the appalling inequality, and what was most offensive was that the opposition felt this was acceptable, and on top of that, proclaimed it.
An alternate bill was presented to the floor stating that the issue should go to the people in a referendum instead of being decided by the legislature, urged by the belief that the legislature was moving too quickly on the issue. Opposing views claimed that it could be very expensive and referred to the millions and millions spent in California on Proposition 8, and that more pressing issues, such as the economy, needed the state's full resources instead of it being distracted by the marriage debate. This was countered that if same-sex marriage was approved by the people of Vermont, then the institution would have more sound standing and acceptance than if only approved by the legislature. This bill was voted down.
The approved bill must move the House for a floor vote, and though it's expected to be a tight race, the house speaker believes it will be approved. It also must clear the obstacle of Republican Gov. James Douglas' desk where a veto threat is real. It is not clear whether or not a enough votes exist in the state legislature to overturn a veto.
If the bill does in fact clear all obstacles, same-sex marriage will begin in the state of Vermont, September 1, 2009.
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Senate
Montpelier, Vermont - March 23, 2009
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The Vermont Senate has given overwhelming approval to same-sex marriage.
The bill passed just before 6 p.m. Monday on a vote of 26 to 4.
In many ways this is just a procedural step-- but it's a big step. The bill now heads to the Vermont house for a larger debate with state representatives.
The same-sex marriage legislation was introduced by Sen. John Campbell, a Democrat from Windsor County. He's heterosexual and Catholic but said Monday gays and lesbians are Vermonters too who make important contributions to our state and deserve full marriage rights.
"You know who those 'they' people are? They're our policemen, our firefighters, our teachers, garbagemen, the guy who plows the street. They're our children. Our sisters, brothers, they're human beings, and as such, as it's said in this bill, they should be treated equally," Campbell said.
Sen. Randy Brock, R-Franklin County, said, "Like President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Governor Douglas, I believe marriage is an institution between one man and one woman. Marriage as we've known it for centuries has been between one man and one woman and it's unique. It's the only publicly-sponsored institution that can result in the procreation of children.
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The senators spent much of their time debating an amendment put forth by Republican Sen. Kevin Mullin of Rutland County. He wanted the people of Vermont to vote on same-sex marriage in March of 2010 but the amendment was voted down largely along party lines. The argument was that lawmakers were elected to make tough decisions, and they didn't want to open up Vermont to influence from out of state interest groups.
So again, the headline Monday is the state Senate has OK'd gay marriage. Now the House takes it up and supporters think they have good numbers in the house.