Vermont Freedom to Marry

Vermonters urge the state to reclaim its leadership on GLBT civil rights.

Rain did not deter Vermonters this past Saturday. Folks from around the state joined together in Burlington to demonstrate against the passing of Proposition 8 in California and to call on Vermont to reclaim its leadership role on this important civil rights issue.

Vermonters stood in front of Burlington's City Hall in solidarity with millions of other Americans across the country who join together to protest the hurtful and discriminatory vote that took away marriage rights of same-sex couples in California.  Speakers included couples who shared why marriage rights are important to them and their families, while others shared the importance of having the same freedoms and rights as their heterosexual neighbors and friends.

One message was clear:  We thank Vermont for being the first state to legally recognize same-sex couples and it's time to equally recognize same-sex couples.

You can read more about the demonstration in the Burlington Free Press. Also, we're collecting photos of the demonstration. Please email a photo to Robyn at field_director@vtfreetomarry.org

To get organized for 2009, we need your help today!

Here's what you can do:

Sign the Marriage Resolution - If you haven't already (or recently), then please sign the Marriage Resolution to state that you support equality.  Here, you can also tell us that you want to volunteer and we will be sure to keep you informed.

Organize your family and friends - Have your family and friends over to your house for a one-on-one conversation with a VFM representative about how we can move Vermont forward in 2009. Contact Robyn at field_director@vtfreetomarry.org or call 802.310.6683 to schedule a time.

Donate today! - With your financial support today, we can work in communities across the state to provide education and organize for equality. 

Together, we will win equality!

(Photos courtesy of Karen Pike's Photography)

It's Time for Vermont to Reclaim Its Leadship Role - Demonstration 11/15 1:30pm

We've heard from several people around the state who want to take part in the Join the Impact national day of protests about Proposition 8.  In truth, we've been wringing hands about this. Given where we are in the marriage movement in Vermont, protests aren't exactly going to advance our efforts, but people are calling on Vermont to Reclaim its Leadership Role -- It's time!

We're shifting gears, and we're asking you to join us this Saturday to acknowledge the painful and discriminatory vote in California while urging Vermont to Reclaim its Leadership Role by passing marriage equality in 2009!

Saturday 11/15

City Hall 

Burlington

1:30pm

We'll see you there!                                                                                    

We're not protesting...we're organizing!!

After the outrageous and hurtful vote in California that took away marriage rights from same-sex couples, it's time for Vermont to reclaim its leadership role on this important civil rights issue.

The sprint to win marriage equality in Vermont has begun.  Together, we can win in 2009 - but we must organize!

If you're upset about Proposition 8 - get organized! Host a "Marriage Equality - 2009" organizing event in your community.

Call your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Invite them to your home, a community center, a public library, your local supportive church, or wherever. Get folks together and we will join you to share one-on-one information about what is happening in Vermont.  Together, we can discuss strategies to win marriage rights for same-sex couples in 2009!

If you schedule an organizing meeting in your town, please let us know the time, date, address and town, and we will publish it (unless it's your home) on our website and send it out to the people on our list.  Everyone who supports equal marriage rights for same-sex couples is encouraged to participate.

Send an email to Robyn at field_director@vtfreetomarry.orgto let her know you want VFM to publish your event.

We can't do this without the support of our supportive clergy, allies, parents and businesses.  If you've been watching from afar, wondering if and when you should take action - now is the time! We need your help. We need your voice.

Join us today. Let us know you're organizing an "Marriage Equality - 2009" event.

Bittersweet - Moving Forward in Vermont.

This Election Day was bittersweet for many Americans. On one hand, we made history by electing Barack Obama, the first African-American president, who promises to change the negative direction of our country by uniting Americans and reaching out to our allied countries. On the other hand, it seems that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans were left behind.

Prop 8 passed in California by 52%-48%. Other marriage bans in Florida and Arizona passed as well as an adoption ban in Arkansas.  We are saddened and our hearts are with the couples in these other states who are denied important protections, securities and rights that their heterosexual neighbors enjoy.

In the meantime, we must redouble our efforts in Vermont!!

Take Action Today:

Sign our Marriage Resolution- If you haven't already, sign the on line Marriage Resolution to stay informed.  It's the number one way you can support equality today!

Email Governor Douglas - We need your help. Please education Gov. Douglas by sharing with him why marriage rights for same-sex couples is important to you and your family. Urge him to support marriage rights for same-sex couples.

Write a letter-to-the-editor - You can be a strong, vocal advocate for marriage equality by writing a letter-to-the-editor to share with readers - your neighbors, co-workers, local opinion leaders - that you support marriage rights for same-sex couples.

Donate today- We need your financial support to help us reach Vermonters throughout the state. Please make a donation today to support equality.  Help us move Vermont forward.

Talk to your family and friends - Engage your family and friends about marriage rights for same-sex couples. Share with them that you support marriage equality and that same-sex couples are denied important benefits and protections because we are denied equal rights. With your voice, we will reach Vermonters throughout the state.

Together, we can do this!!