Vermont Freedom to Marry

It's too close to call.

I've tried to imagine what it would be like to live in a state where my neighbors, co-workers and people I didn't even know, would vote on my marriage this election.  Sadly, in just 6 days, this is the reality for same-sex couples in California. 

The outcome is just too close to call. Polls indicate that we are gaining ground, but we are behind three points. Neither side will win by a landslide, so, while three points is close, we must keep pushing to win. 

In truth, our quest for marriage equality in Vermont will be far, far more difficult if California votes take marriage rights from same-sex couples.  It would be a huge setback.  We-- right here in Vermont-- will pay the consequences, and full equality will be further from our grasp.

VFM sent me to California because this vote is that important. I'm helping the campaign by urging voters to vote NO. I'm making calls, organizing volunteers, supporting media events, doing whatever it is they need me to do.

The headquarters are busy with volunteers working around the clock to make sure voters vote NO on Prop 8.

If you want to help out, you can email our Deputy Field Director, Sheryl at Sheryl@vtfreetomarry.org.  She can tell you how you can help us defeat Prop 8, clearing the way for Vermont.

Thanks,

Robyn Maguire

Field Director

Donate to Equality California today!

Protect marriage equality in California today!

After the California Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the constitutionally-protected right to marry, opposition forces began a vigorous campaign to overturn the ruling.  A constitutional amendment that will take away marriage rights from same-sex couples will go to California's voters on November 4th.

Anti-gay, anti-equality organizations are mounting an attack on same-sex couples and their families with hurtful and dishonest TV ads to stoke the fears of many who are genuinely struggling with this issue. 

Help Equality California (EQCA) educate voters! To share why the right to civilly marry is important to same-sex couples and to combat the dishonest messages the opponents of equality are disseminating, EQCA is working hard to raise money to pay for TV ads. Check it out here and donate today!

Although same-sex couples in California have been marrying for months, their rights are on the line this November. Do not let opponents of fairness and equality take away marriage rights from same-sex couples.  Please donate to EQCA today!

BREAKING NEWS: Connecticut joins Massachusetts and California!!!!

VFM hails the Connecticut Supreme Court's decision released today that Connecticut could not deny  marriage licenses to same-sex couples.  In a 4-3 ruling, the court concluded that principles of equality protection require that a gay person be allowed to marry "the otherwise qualified same sex partner of their choice."  The court explained, "to decide otherwise would require us to apply one set of constitutional principles to gay persons and another to all others."

Connecticut has a civil union law modeled on Vermont's.  "That's what makes this decision so important," explains Vermont Freedom to Marry Chair Beth Robinson.  "This is the second court in a row to say that civil unions aren't equal. If we're truly serious about treating gay and lesbian citizens and our families fairly, civil unions simply aren't enough."  The April, 2008 report of Vermont's Commission on Family Recognition and Protection, issued after eight public hearings around the state, supports this conclusion.

"This is a great day for families in Connecticut," cheered Vemront Freedom to Marry Field Director Robyn Maguire. "Gay and lesbian citizens work hard at our jobs, contribute to our sommunities, and strugle with the same challenges as our heterosexual neighbors. It's only fair that the law treat us the same.  I look forward to Vermont taking the next step."

Welcome to our new website!

Thank you for visiting our website! It provides you with information about our efforts to gain marriage rights for same-sex couples in Vermont.  From opportunities to volunteer and donate to information about what's happening around the state, this website provides you with the latest information about the freedom to marry movement in Vermont.

Also, you can help with our website. Send us your family photo by clicking on the link in the upper right hand corner, just below the photos.  As they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words." This is a great way to demonstrate support.

Be sure visit us frequently!!