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previous updates:
March 19, 2004
March 12, 2004
Update:
March 29, 2004
Sad News from Massachusetts
The Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force denounces the Massachusetts
legislature's narrow vote for a constitutional amendment revoking
the right to marry for Massachusetts' gay and lesbian citizens.
The 105-92 vote constitutes the final action on the proposed
amendment for this session. Before it could take effect, the
amendment would have to be passed by the Massachusetts legislature
again next session, and then by the voters of Massachusetts
in 2006.
"Constitutional amendments are supposed to protect,
not take away, civil rights," explained Freedom to Marry
Task Force Chair Sherry Corbin, "And we're confident
the people of Massachusetts won't go for that. We need to
focus on helping families -- not undermining them."
Starting in May of this year, as a result of a state supreme
court ruling that same-sex couples have a constitutional right
to marry, gay and lesbian couples throughout Massachusetts
will be able to obtain marriage licenses and legally marry.
By the time the proposed constitutional amendment could reach
the voters of Massachusetts, thousands of same-sex couples
will likely already be married. Corbin says that will make
a difference. "We know from our experiences here in Vermont
what the citizens of Massachusetts will see when their gay
and lesbian neighbors start marrying: Some families will be
more secure, communities will be stronger, and nobody will
be hurt."
The proposed constitutional amendment also contains a provision
which would create civil unions for same-sex couples. "It's
just not the same," explained Task Force board member
Beth Diamond. "My husband and I are married. We value
our legal marriage. Our gay and lesbian friends deserve access
to the same respect, inclusion, and protections. Excluding
same-sex couples from marriage hurts families, plain and simple."
The Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force is an association
of individuals and organizations committed to educating Vermonters
about the issues surrounding the freedom to marry debate.
If you would like to take a more active role please contact
us at info@vtfreetomarry.org.
We will be holding meetings and volunteer trainings throughout
the state over the next couple of months. An ongoing calendar
will be here on our website soon.
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