This will likely give other states an opening to pass similar laws through the legislative process.

That's what makes this event so significant. The gay rights movements worked mainly through the courts up until now because they didn't believe there was enough popular support for their cause. Now they're gaining more confidence and are using the legislative process to get their agenda passed. Polls seem to indicate a strong sea change in people's opinions about gay rights in just the time span of a few years. That has allowed for those in the gay rights movement to change their strategy.

A big event to those who burn lean tissue and try to equivocate to the rest of us why some couples do not (really) deserve equal rights.

Keep burning calories and lean tissue, kids. . .keep trying to rationalize a civil rights issue.

This isn't that big of a deal in the Northeast- apparently a few here think it's that big of a deal.

The short version of the story- a Supreme Court case claiming that a couple's legal rights in Vermont are null and void in (say) Texas/Nebraska is going to be a loser. Repub. zealots will force this legal Waterloo but it will happen.

In the meantime, it's a real joy to periodically observe the sheer effort and strain it takes to keep oneself convinced that (gosh darn it!) couples in a legal relationship don't deserve certain protections under law.

I can transfer resources, property, cash to my missus. . .we can make decisions regarding health and children- and people still (still) in this culture have a problem with extending those basic rights to different couples is outright strange to the educated.

In case there is some confusion on the subject, they aren't making it mandatory. Hopefully that will alleviate some of the dissent.

This is certainly significant became it reframes the terms of the existing debate over same-sex marriage. The Vermont law marks the first instance of legislative endorsement of same-sex marriage -- and not only was it enacted, but it was enacted with a supermajority of sufficient strength to override a gubernatorial veto. Regardless of one's view of this action, it is difficult to dispute its significance. If more states follow suit, the attacks against judicial activism which cultural conservatives often use in their arguments against same-sex marriage-- whether scrupulously or not -- will lose its poignancy. The dynamics of this debate are slowly but surely changing.

Sadly, extending equal rights in 2009 is significant.

Big stuff. But, I'm really OK with this legislation. This is how the country is designed, and they own the majority. I don't think it's good for America. Or for Vermont. But, at least they accomplished what the liberals on RIA do not believe is possible. Or necessary. At least they didn't have to ram this down the peoples' throats through a judicial fiat by three (or five) liberal judges. Only forty nine to go, better get busy. New York, with our popular and very capable governor, is probably next so long as we have money to conduct the courts.

Wasn't the Domino Theory dis-credited years ago? It is has been rejuvenated by the gay agenda. One by one, they'll drop like flies. Except Texas. That might take a bit longer, I don't know.

Civil libertarians and gay people will likely find this event to be very important indeed.

For opposite reasons, homophobes and wingers will also consider this an important issue.

I suspect there will be setbacks before the nation accepts the fact that denying equal rights to any group of people is contrary to the U.S. Constitution.


http://tinyurl.com/EqualRightsForGay-People

I don't agree with and don't care about the same-sex marriage issue. It seems politicians don't have priorities at all but rather personal agendas.

I assume that everyone will support gay marriage in Vermont, since the legislature approved it. I further assume that the same individuals will support states rights and the will of the people where the result is opposite.

I assume that everyone will be supporting same-sex marriage in Vermont, since it was passed by the legislature.