Activists Warn Vermont Law Is Vulnerable on Civil Unions

Activists Warn Vermont Law Is Vulnerable on Civil Unions

January 2002

The team of lawyers who paved the way in Vermont for the first statewide civil unions law in the nation is warning that the landmark legislation continues to be vulnerable because of the strength of its opponents, according to a warning from NOW.

One of the lawyers reminded those attending a recent meeting that the backlash that erupted during the 2000 election resulted in the defeat of enough of the supporters of civil unions that the Vermont Senate only has a two-vote “fire wall” against repeal of the legislation.

More than a dozen state representatives who voted for civil unions were defeated, leaving the Vermont House with a substantial majority who oppose the law, according to NOW.

“We have to protect our fire wall in Vermont,” attorney Beth Robinson said as she called for vigorous rededication and political action from supporters of civil unions.

Further, she warned that in 2003 the state’s constitution is open to amendments and there would be efforts to prohibit same-sex unions. “Anti-gay marriage laws” have passed in 35 states, says NOW, and are pending in several others.

“We’re going to have to be fighting like heck to protect that step forward in the next election,” said Robinson. So I urge everybody to get involved in electoral politics in your home state or in Vermont.”