7.01.00
Brattleboro clerk issues first civil union license
Just after midnight, Carolyn Conrad and Kathleen Peterson of Brattleboro became the first same-sex couple united under Vermont’s first-in-the-nation civil union law. (The Rutland Herald)
U.S. gays tie historic knot in midnight ‘marriage’
Gathered around a candle-lit fountain, about 75 friends, relatives and members of the public watched as Justice of the Peace T. Hunter Wilson told the couple, “By the powers vested in me by the state of Vermont, I join you in civil union.” (Washington Post)
Civil union opponents plan rally at capitol
A “Take Back Vermont” rally was scheduled to take place on the lawn of the Statehouse (Vermont Press Bureau)
Judge turns down last attempt to block civil unions
Less than 12 hours before the civil union law took effect, a Superior Court judge ruled that the law did not violate the religious freedom of town clerks opposed to granting licenses to homosexual couples. (Burlington Free Press)
Presbyterians vote to ban clergy from conducting unions of gays
The decision, which will take effect next June if it is ratified by two-thirds of the church’s regional jurisdictions, came after an emotional debate on an issue that has been quite contentious among other Protestant denominations. (The New York Times)
6.30.00
Priest calls on justices of the peace not to perform civil unions
A Catholic priest is urging justices of the peace not to perform civil unions. “How much does being a Justice of the Peace mean to you? I hope that it isn’t as important as being a faithful Catholic," the Rev. Joseph Lively, pastor of St. John the Evangelist, wrote in a letter to the justices this week. (Burlington Free Press)
6.29.00
New law provokes some town clerks to quit
“I feel the law is an encouragement of perversion and immorality and it’s going to lead to the demise of our youth and the more rapid destruction of our families and the ultimate downfall of this country." So says one town clerk who doesn’t intend on issuing civil union licenses. According to the Attorney General’s Office, clerks who defy the law could face civil lawsuits and monetary fines. (Associated Press)
Bishop tweaks Dean in letter
Gov. Howard B. Dean, who signed the civil union bill into law, has long been at odds with Bishop Kenneth Angell, a staunch opponent of civil unions. Just as it appeared as though the two had found something to agree upon, the bishop told Dean, “You remain in my prayers.” (The Rutland Herald)
6.28.00
Clerks prepare for new law
Brattleboro’s town clerk is opening her office one minute after midnight Friday so a local couple can be the first in the state to receive a civil union license. “This office at one point stayed open for 24 hours on the first day of hunting season so out-of-staters could apply for licenses. I figure if we did it for people who come here to shoot at animals, I can do it for two people in love.” " (The Rutland Herald)
Foes of civil unions step up ad campaign
First there was Take it to the People. Now, anti-civil union groups are sprouting up “like mushrooms after a storm.” Also related: Advertising poses dilemma for papers. (Associated Press)
Opponents renew legal maneuvers
Vermont legislators and town clerks seek an injunction to stop civil union ceremonies. (Associated Press)
Elsewhere on the Web
Same-sex marriage laws across the United States
CNN offers a round-up of marriage-related legislation, including a color-coded map that shows the status of same-sex marriage laws around the country.
The Vermont Guide to Civil Unions
Everything you need to know, from who can apply for a civil union license to how civil unions are dissolved. (published by the Office of the Secretary of the State)
Should other states recognize civil unions? Visit Vote.com to read arguments pro and con and to cast your own ballot on the issue.
In Canada, gay pride can be part of scout’s honor
A new law erases virtually all legal distinctions between heterosexual marriages and same-sex unions. Some religious groups from the U.S. are protesting. (The New York Times)
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