Governor Douglas promises to veto Marriage Equality Bill
Maplefest and Marriage Equality
BY DUSAN VUKSANOVIC
POULTNEY, VT – Vermont Governor Jim Douglas confirmed today that he’ll veto the Marriage Equality Bill while he was visiting Green Mountain College for Maple Fest.
Several hundred students gathered at Green Mountain College in peaceful demonstration to show support for the Bill. “I think it is great that people express their point of view as long as it’s done respectfully and in recognition that people have different ideas on this and other issues,” said Douglas.
The students and citizens of Poultney started gathering for the demonstration around 8 AM, two hours before Douglas arrived. The event was organized by college’s Diversity and P.A.N.T.S. (People Are Not Their Sex) clubs.
Some of the former GMC alums didn’t think that marriage would be the proper wording for same sex couples who wanted to legalize their relationship. “I believe it’s a semantic argument… For same sex marriages, they should have the same rights, but I would call it a civil union instead of marriage,” said alum William Bloom.
However, an overwhelming majority of Green Mountain’s campus was in favor of the bill. Professors and students were carrying signs and wearing rainbow pins side by side, and chanting “Equal rights!”
“I think this will impact [Governor Douglas’s] decision. He’ll definitely think twice before he vetoes it,” noted sophomore Sam Dixon. Dixon added that he was confident the Bill will pass once it goes back to the Vermont House and Senate.
Governor Douglas also said that he believes the legislators will be able to pass the bill in spite of his veto. “I think it’s very likely that they will, and it’s OK,” said Douglas. “Ultimately, the majority will decide, and we will all live with it and move on.”
Michael Skinner, one of the demonstration leaders, said in a public announcement that equality for all is the foundation for democracy. “Now is the time for Vermont to lead the path again… We have faith that our elected officials will ensure that equal rights are extended to all,” Skinner said.
Short URL: http://www.themountaineer.org/?p=471
Posted by Dusan Vuksanovic
on Mar 28, 2009 Filed under College, Community.
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