Vermont Legalises Gay Marriage - Tyranny of the Legislature?
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 5:51 pm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090407/ap_ ... ge_vermont
What will be the response of the resident same-sex marriage opponents? Will they approve of this legislative change because it was voted for overwhelmingly by the democratic institutions of the state?
From the story:
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What will be the response of the resident same-sex marriage opponents? Will they approve of this legislative change because it was voted for overwhelmingly by the democratic institutions of the state?
From the story:
House Speaker Shap Smith's announcement of the vote brought an outburst of jubilation from some of the hundreds packed into the gallery and the lobby outside the House chamber, despite the speaker's admonishment against such displays.
Among the celebrants in the lobby were former Rep. Robert Dostis, D-Waterbury, and his longtime partner, Chuck Kletecka. Dostis recalled efforts to expand gay rights dating to an anti-discrimination law passed in 1992.
"It's been a very long battle. It's been almost 20 years to get to this point," Dostis said. "I think finally, most people in Vermont understand that we're a couple like any other couple. We're as good and as bad as any other group of people. And now I think we have a chance to prove ourselves here on forward that we're good members of our community."
Dostis said he and Kletecka will celebrate their 25th year together in September.
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