Civil Unions become part of Vt. fabric

[JoFerret]

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Less than five years ago the idea of gay couples joining in a legal union akin to marriage was enough to rip apart the very social fabric of this small New England state that prides itself on its sense of community.

Yawning rifts opened between neighbors and even families under the symbols of the two sides in the debate: black and white "Take Back Vermont" signs among opponents and green and white "Vermont: Keep it Civil" stickers for supporters of the state's first-in-the-nation civil unions law.

Now, though, after 7,364 same-sex couples from around the world have been legally joined as spouses, civil unions have become a part of that social fabric.

In a remarkable turnaround, Democrats who were largely blamed for forcing Vermont to confront the issue have returned to their place of political dominance in the Statehouse. The new General Assembly even includes five openly gay men, up from just one when civil unions were enacted.
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http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-civil-unions,0,3424513.story?coll=sns-ap-nation-headlines

[saltpoint]

1. Mark my words, brethern --

-- the next tsunami will strike Vermont in a fortnight!

God's will on the wicked!

[DrZeeLit]

2. Hooray VT! Proud to call this wonderland my home! n/t

[Newfoundland]

3. How many unions are of Vermonters?

Are these all local Vermonter weddings or mostly people from out of state?

[JoFerret]

4. I don't know but I am sure you could find out

Does it matter to you a great deal?
Here's another question for consideration. Are all those memorialized at Beaumont-Hamel actually NFer's? Or were some just pretending?

[Newfoundland]

5. Matters not in the bigger picture

Just curious about the mindset and local habits of the Vermont people.

[gorbal]

6. I live a half hour from Brattleboro

I swear it is like you are entering another dimension once you cross the state line from Massachusetts. Be carefull not to approach anyone unless you plan to have a long conversation.

I don't live there but when I visit I usually see a mix of rich-looking older people, artsy-types, punks hanging out near the coffee shop,organic famers and outdoorsy folks. I don't think there is anyplace like it, it's like a cold heaven.

:)

[wicket]

11. My family is from there

They mostly all still live there and I visit at least once a month. The locals are fine with it and many of them are unions of Vermonters :shrug:

[Barkley]

7. How many civil unions were different sex couples?

[njdemocrat106]

8. Way to go Vermont!

Haven't been up there in ages. I guess I'm due to stop by and say hi. :)

[rodeodance]

9. makes my heart glad---there is hope after reading this

[Massacure]

10. Whats the chances of it spreading in the North East?

I don't really like the idea of two men making out with each other, but I don't wish to have the government spend my tax money to prevent it.

[gorbal]

13. But turn that around

Well, how would you like the rules to be reversed and have men not allowed to marry women? It isn't about what grosses you out or not, it's about human rights.

[Massacure]

14. Either the government recognizes marriage or it doesn't.

I don't want it to be yes in one situation, but no in another.

[gorbal]

15. I'm with you there

They should either recognize all "marriages" or just let everyone have a "civil union" and let the churches define marriage, if that is what they want to do.

I went to Brattleboro again today. Great place, but I've decided not to advertise it to much so it won't get ruined:)

[Vidar]

12. Good for Vermont.