Vermont

Vermont was the first state to create civil unions in 2000.  Although not equal to marriage, it was a historic breakthrough at the time.
 
On April 7, 2009, Vermont became the fourth state to uphold the freedom to marry. The Vermont legislature passed a bill ending the exclusion of gay couples from marriage with a 2/3 majority in each chamber, effectively overriding the Governor's veto. Gay couples can now marry in Vermont and state advocates continue to work to protect the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.
 
Status: Marriage
 
Groups Actively Working on Marriage
 
Vermont Freedom to Marry: Vermont's central statewide organization working to protect the freedom to marry  
 

Blog Posts Related to Vermont

FTM Press Release: On Eve of Valentine’s Day, Tragic NY Case Again Shows Civil Union Does Not Work

Freedom to Marry Press Release: On Even of Valentine's Day, Tragic NY Case Again Shows 'Civil Union Does Not Work.'

Amid mounting evidence from states such as New Jersey and Vermont that the legal mechanism of "civil union" fails to protect families and falls far short of the security and clarity that come with marriage itself, a legal case arising from a New York couple's tragedy is hitting a sad milestone this Valentine's Day. "John and Conrad's tragic case is yet more evidence that relegating gay people to separate legal mechanisms outside of marriage, such as civil union, does not work to protect them and their loved ones - even in states such as New York, which honors out-of-state marriages for gay and non-gay couples alike," said Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry and author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry.

Vermont State Senator Diane Snelling Testifies before NJ Senate Committee

Vermont’s Shumlin to NJ Legislators: “Just Do It!”

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Resources Related to Vermont

Study says Marriage Equality Good for Vermont Economy

Study predicts that marriage equality in Vermont will have a positive impact on the state economy, generating $31 million in new spending over the next three years

Vermont Census Snapshot

Demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in Vermont.

Report of the Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection

The Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection found that civil unions do not provide the fairness and equality they were intended to offer same-sex couples and their families.

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