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

Breaking: Senate Hearing on DOMA expected in “coming weeks”

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced today the Committee will hold the first congressional hearing on repealing the so-called Defense of Marriage Act in the “coming weeks.”

Marriage equality could move forward in some U.S. states

A handful of U.S. states are poised to take up the issue of marriage equality afresh, due largely to incoming lawmakers who may tip the balance in favor of the controversial measure.

"The work of persuasion, of personal conversations, of talking to lawmakers and mobilizing against a well-funded anti-gay opposition" are among the primary tasks for the lobbying group Freedom to Marry, said founder Evan Wolfson. "With the freedom to marry within reach this year in states such as New York, Maryland and Rhode Island, now is the time to have those conversations and move marriage forward," he said.

Maryland set to expand gay rights to include the freedom to marry

Maryland is poised to become the sixth state to legally honor the marriages of same-sex couples as proponents say they believe they have enough support to pass such a measure in the upcoming legislative session.

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Resources Related to Vermont

Party Principles: Support for the Freedom to Marry by State and National Political Parties

A listing of both state and national political parties that have made strong statements in support of the freedom to marry.

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.

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