Out4Immigration Says State Law Still Excludes Gay Couples from 1,138 Federal Marriage Rights, including Immigration
MONTPELIER, VT — April 7, 2008 — The Vermont Legislature voted today to override Gov. Jim Douglas' veto of a bill allowing gays and lesbians to marry. The veto override will allow same-sex couples to marry and enjoy all the state benefits afforded to opposite-sex couples.
Vermont’s governor had argued that the state already had sufficient civil union laws on the books that gave gays and lesbians the same rights as married couples. State lawmakers and their constituents, however, felt that barring gays and lesbians from marriage and limiting them to civil unions was “separate but equal” treatment and not sufficient in maintaining equal rights for all Vermonters.
Vermont now becomes the fourth state to offer full state marriage benefits to its gay and lesbian residents. The other states are Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa.
Who Voted for this Story
Feedburner
Promoting public awareness of the need for fairness in immigration policy particularly as it relates to the rights of same-sex bi-national couples in the United States who seek equal immigration rights; Providing information regarding political issues relating to gay immigration equality issues, rights and policy.
Comments