http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=9954608&nav=4QcSMontpelier Moves on Gay Marriage
by Darren Perron - WCAX News
March 5th, 2009
"Passing this bill is the right thing to do at this time," said Sen. Peter Shumlin, D-Vt. President Pro Tem.
Shumlin and Rep. Shap Smith, D-Vt. House Speaker, plan to push a marriage equality bill quickly through both chambers.
The bill would grant same-sex couples the right to marry in Vermont.
...
"The anticipated horrors of civil unions never came to pass so consequently this is the logical next step," Nelson said. "Douglas won't sign the bill. He won't veto the bill. He'll let it become law without his signature."
The governor himself has not said whether he would sign a same-sex marriage bill. Lawmakers want this done quickly. They will take up gay marriage in a
week-and-a-half and they plan to hold a public hearing at the Statehouse. But the discussion might not matter. Lawmakers say the opposition had an opportunity to weigh in during statewide public meetings held in the fall of 2007. Opponents say they boycotted the meetings because it was a quote "dog and pony show," and point out that the Freedom to Marry Task Force begins airing TV ads tonight-- the same day the press conference was held.
An important note: several legislators believe that Gov. Douglas would not veto the bill and would let it become law without his signature. This means we may very well see same-sex marriage in Vermont during this session!
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