is marriage equality on the horizon for Vermont?
David on Jul 26th 2007
We’ve been speculating for some time about which state will be the next Massachusetts and recognize same-sex marriage. Of course, civil unions continue to crop up here and there, and Massachusetts’ same-sex marriages are recognized in Rhode Island and now New Mexico. Nonetheless, Massachusetts is still the only state that offers full marriage equality to its citizens.
So who is next? Vermont, back in 2000, became the first state to offer civil unions. Now, it appears that they are exploring same-sex marriage. Today, The Burlington Free Press is reporting:
Legislative leaders announced this morning that they have formed a commission to study how Vermonters feel about gay marriage.
House Speaker Gaye Symington and Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin said the commission will hold six meetings across the state and report back to the Legislature by the end of the April 2008.
“It is time to ask whether it is in Vermont’s interest to continue to maintain a separate legal status for same-sex couples,” Symington said.
Though marriage equality may be on the horizon for Vermonters, it’s certainly a distant horizon. With an April 2008 report date, it won’t be happening anytime soon. In the meantime, we’re doing more than keeping our fingers crossed. We’ll continue to work on the ground changing hearts and minds, building support for equality and making safer environments for our families.
