Vermont Lawmakers Consider Same-Sex Marriage Bill

The Vermont Capitol, site of the next attempt to upend marriage and redefine it for the convenience of gay activists and members of the group Civil Rights Obfuscation United.

Another foot in the door. Vermont legislators hold hearings this week and vote Wednesday on a bill that would neuter the definition of marriage. (See New York Times) The measure is supported by democrats and opposed by republicans, including the republican governor.

This is a highly charged political issue, and many remember that more than a dozen legislators were voted out of office after they supported civil unions in 2000. The governor, Jim Douglas, a Republican, opposes the bill, saying civil unions go far enough, but he has not specifically said he would veto it. If he did, it is not clear if Democrats would have the votes to override it. (NY Times)

Here's another case where the state government ignores the democratic principle by trying to push through legislation that has deep and controversial social effects for the entire country. Apparently, the more than dozen legislators voted out of office for supporting civil unions wasn't enough to create a Vermont legislature with the sense to represent its people. And what a gutless wonder of a governor who "opposes the bill" but can't say if "he would veto it."

There is one clear voice in this:

Steve Cable, who is president of Vermont Renewal and a spokesman for the Vermont Marriage Advisory Council, both of which oppose the measure, said civil unions already provided enough benefits. Mr. Cable is also protesting the process by which the bill is, he said, being “pushed through.”

Most of those testifying this week are supporters of the bill, Mr. Cable said. “This is very undemocratic behavior.”

Ay, there's the rub. Another brilliant example of the hijacking of democracy and of marriage by gay activists. I urge you to support efforts in Vermont to keep marriage intact and preserve the family.