(Montpelier, Vermont) Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas says he will oppose legislation allowing same-sex marriages - a move likely to scuttle the bill expected to be introduced in January.
Vermont Senate Majority Leader John Campbell said earlier this week he would file the bill - to amend the state’s civil union law to provide for full marriage - in the new session of the legislature.
But Campbell said the measure’s success with fellow lawmakers would depend on the governor’s support.
Douglas said Thursday that civil unions are adequate and that the legislature should be focusing on the economy.
“I think the current civil union law is sufficient,” Douglas said. “It accords equality of rights to Vermonters in terms of their relationships and I think we should leave the law as it is.”
Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force chair Beth Robinson called the governor’s position unfortunate and said it implies he believes lawmakers can only deal with one issue at a time.
http://www.365gay.com/news/vt-gov-opposes-gay-marriage-bill/