Vermont Freedom to Marry

Freedom to Marry Loses in Maine

Voters repealed Maine's equal marriage law by a 52-47% margin, setting aside that state's recently-enacted law allowing same-sex couples to legally marry.  (The law had not yet taken effect.)  We decry this hurtful and unjust outcome that harms Mainers in every community, in every family, and in every walk of life.

As disappointing as this loss is, the margin reflects tremendous progress.  Mainers have come to understand the importance of civil marriage and civil rights.  Despite the scare tactics by the opposition, 47% of those Mainers who voted chose to uphold the freedom to marry.  Advocates will continue to press forward to make fairness for all Maine families a reality.  It's just a matter of time and work until Maine gets the job done.

We thank the Protect Maine Equality campaign for its hard work and Equality Maine for laying the groundwork, and commend the Maine legislature and Governor Baldacci for passing the bill in the first place.

Washington Voters Uphold Comprehensive Domestic Partnership Law

Voters in the State of Washington voted by a 52-47% margin to uphold that state's law extending comprehensive legal benefits of marriage (other than the status of being married) to couples in domestic partnerships.  By approving this law, the people of Washington have stood by their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender neighbors.  Going forward, it will be much easier to have a positive conversation about why access to legal marriage for all, loving, committed couples is the only truly fair way to protect those families.

Elsewhere, voters in Kalamazoo, Michigan, voted to add sexual orientation and gender identity to that city's non-discrimination ordinance.

ENDA Tantalizingly Within Reach, Constituent Calls Needed

Now that Congress has passed, and President Obama has signed, the hate crimes bill, all eyes are on the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).  This federal law that would extend certain non-discrimination protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans across the country is within reach.  A House committee has taken testimony, a Senate committee is holding a hearing this Thursday, and a House committee will be working on the bill in the coming weeks.

We may see a floor vote in the House THIS YEAR.

But it won't happen on its own.  Senators and Representatives need to hear from their own constituents that this is a priority.  We're lucky:  Vermont's entire congressional delegation is supportive.

BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE CAN SIT ON OUR HANDS!  They need to hear from us -- to know this is something we care about.

Please, contact Senator Leahy, Senator Sanders, and Representative Welch.  Thank them for their support for the non-discrimination measure.  And let them know you hope they'll urge their colleagues to move the bill swiftly.

• Click here to contact Senator Pat Leahy.
• Click here to contact Senator Bernie Sanders.
• Click here to contact Representative Peter Welch.

Thank you for stepping up for equality everywhere!

Beth Robinson Honored at GLAD's Annual Spirit of Justice Dinner

On Friday, October 23, I had the privilege of standing in front of around 850 people in a hotel ballroom in Boston soaking in the appreciation that so many people throughout New England and the country have for the hard work we've all done in Vermont over the past fifteen years.  The setting was the annual Spirit of Justice dinner hosted by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders - New England's LGBT legal advocacy organization.  GLAD's decision to highlight our accomplishments in Vermont was gratifying, especially given all the other amazing things that have happened in New England this year.  I was honored to accept GLAD's Spirit of Justice Award, and did so as a proxy for the thousands of Vermonters with whom I've had the privilege of working throughout these many years.  Thanks and congratulations to all of us!

If you're interested, you can watch Mary Bonauto's generous introduction and my remarks (which is broken into two videos).

Mary Bonauto's Introduction:

My Remarks Part I:

My Remarks Part II:

Beth Robinson co-founded Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force and currently chairs Vermont Freedom to Marry Action Committee

Our trip to the national equality march: By Jeff Towsley and Mike Bond

All trips of worth begin with the journey.

Because of Jeff’s work, we were not sure until the Tuesday before that we would get the time off to go to the march.  This made air travel not an option, so we drove.  D.C. is 9.5 hours away according to MapQuest.  We left early to avoid entering D.C. at afternoon rush hour.  We'd forgotten the federal holiday that weekend and rush hour was in full force when we arrived in the metro area at 3:30 pm.We checked into our hotel shortly before 5.

The hotel's complimentary wine tasting helped calm frayed nerves from the harried drive.  We got a restaurant recommendation from concierge and proceeded to the “Gayborhood” near DuPont Circle.  I'm sure D.C. has a vibrant gay community even when there are not a quarter million visitors in town for the weekend.  But we enjoyed being in the majority for a change instead of a tolerated minority.During the meal and the wait for a table we engaged several other couples and groups to discuss why they were there.  Most felt as we did:  tired of being taken advantage of, being invisible, facing discrimination at the hands of federal laws (DOMA, DADT) or laws not yet passed (domestic partnership benefits for federal employees, ENDA).  It was time to show them we were here and we vote.

We'd contacted Sens. Sanders and Leahy and Rep. Welch prior to the trip.  They support our positions.  Rep. Welch is a co sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.The speakers at the March and surrounding events claim they trained over 400 activists to be able to go home to their congressional districts and work at the state level for change.  Anyone who was here in Vermont for the civil union debate and the marriage debate can see firsthand how all politics are local.  Of course we were proud of Vermont and the groundwork that had been laid.  Still, I empathize with our queer allies from other states.

Everyone visiting D.C. wanted to support the gay-owned businesses, but it was too much of a good  thing and they seemed overwhelmed.   Saturday night started with the OUTQ party at another hotel in DuPont Circle.  For the uninitiated, satellite radio has a gay channel.  You can hear it on Sirius 109 or XM98.  Political activist Michelangelo Signorile and comedians Frank Decaro and Doria Biddle were in D.C. to greet the faithful and prep for the march.

Sunday morning we headed out to the meet up for the march.  No problem finding the spot. Just follow the crowds. There were people everywhere; we met a couple in their twenties from Boston. They were marching with their mother.  People from Tennessee.  A  Virginia couple coming to Vermont next year to get married. There was a large contingent wearing red No On 1 t-shirts supporting Maine.

While we were waiting for the march to begin a rainbow appeared in the sky overhead.   It had started out as a cloudy day but the sun was peaking out and the day ended up beautifully.The 2.5 miles to Capitol Hill was amazing.  Kevin and Ernie had the white banner.  Mike and Jeff and Jess,  our new friend from Philadelphia, had the large yellow banner.  Kathy had a sign and we all wore our  Vermont Equality shirts.  (Thanks, Kevin!)

Vermont was greeted with cheers and photos all along the route.  We were so proud of our state and what we had accomplished, and proud that others recognized Vermont's groundbreaking role Vermont in the struggle for equality.The speakers at the rally reinforced how much further we have to go.

Estimates say there were over 250,000 supporters of equality on the lawn in front of the capitol.  We stayed on the far side of the reflecting pool because neither of us deals well with large crowds.  We got to hear several of the amazing speeches, all of which are now available online.

A big surprise for us was when VTFTM’s own James Neiley -- an amazing teenager! -- was introduced on the stage.  We left the rally  empowered, hopeful, and ready for the challenges ahead.

~ Jeff Towsley & Mike Bond

Vermont Freedom to Marry supporters share memorable D.C. experiences!

From Ernest McLeod of Middlebury:

Kevin Moss (whose back is pictured at left) and I decided to go to the National Equality March in Washington DC on October 11 to be counted among those pressing President Obama and our Congressional leaders to fulfill their promises on gay rights.  We also marched in DC in 1993, and we were struck by the focus of the marchers this time around: pass an inclusive ENDA, get rid of the discriminatory DADT, repeal DOMA and work towards full federal civil marriage equality.  Though there was plenty of creativity on display in the signs marchers carried, our message was clear: the time for full LGBT equality is now.

The other reason Kevin and I went to DC was to represent Vermont and the success we have achieved in our state.  As we met up with other Vermonters and waited in the huge crowd for the March to begin, a rainbow appeared in the perfectly clear sky above us.  It was a truly unexpected and magical moment, and it seemed to signify that we were in the right place at the right time.

We held our Vermont banners high once the March started moving and all along the route we were cheered by onlookers who recognized Vermont as a civil rights leader.  Compared to many LGBT Americans, we in Vermont are in an enviable position of equality, and it was important to us to stand alongside our brothers and sisters who don't yet have marriage and other protections we enjoy in Vermont.

We were also pleased to march beside a large, enthusiastic, and musical group of young people wearing "No on 1: Protect Maine Equality" T-shirts.  Most of these youthful marchers weren't even from Maine, but they understood that it's crucial for us to keep working hard at both state and federal levels to ensure that the civil rights we've gained aren't taken away as we work to secure additional ones.

I think many people left the March reenergized, refocused, and ready to keep working.  I know we did.

~ Ernest McLeod

Equality News & Needs in Maine and Beyond

Encouraging poll numbers in Maine, huge contributions from Vermonters to the effort, events in D.C., Rhode  Island, and Boston, and an important referendum in Washington state.  Please read on -- we've got a lot of news to share!

1. Encouraging Poll Numbers in Maine -- VFM Contributes Big $ -- Your Support Needed!
2. Oct. 11:  Vermonters and others headed for Washington, D.C.
3. Oct. 17:  New Englanders converging in Rhode Island for equality
4. Ballot Measure in Washington State also critical!

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1. Encouraging Poll Numbers in Maine -- VFM Contributes Big $ -- Your Support Needed!

A new public poll from Democracy Corps was released last week, showing No on 1 with a slight lead of 50% to 41%, a significant jump from the Daily Kos poll the other week that showed the opposition leading 48% to 46%.  These polls show just how close -- and winnable -- Maine is.  Our counterparts in Maine are working their tails off. They know this is our chance as a movement to win at the ballot box.  And they need our help!

This is how important Maine is:  The Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force and Vermont Freedom to Marry Action Committee just gave another $20,000 (combined) to the No On 1 campaign to help protect Maine’s freedom to marry.  That’s in addition to $15,000 Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force has already contributed.  WE BELIEVE MAINE IS SO VITAL THAT WE'RE TRIMMING OUR OWN OPERATIONS TO SEND RESOURCES TO MAINE!

PLEASE, JOIN US!  We ask each of you to give what you can to help Maine, whether it’s $10 or $1,000.  Click here to make a secure online donation or print a form to mail in with a check.

Once you’ve donated, you’re eligible to enter a giveaway from a generous equality supporter and fiber artist:  Select your sock yarn and get a hand-knitted pair of warm winter socks; while you wait, enjoy a free pair of RedMaple Sportswear socks.  To enter, forward your donation confirmation to mel.vassey@gmail.com.  For every $5 you contribute, you will get one "ticket" in the raffle. Donations can be made through November 3, Election Day.  The drawing’s on November 4.  Click here to learn more.

Money's not the only resource we can offer:

YOUR TIME AND TALENTS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN MAINE!  Join other Vermonters calling Maine at one of Vermont Freedom to Marry’s upcoming phone banks:

- Tuesday, October 13, 5-8 pm, Burlington
- Sunday, October 18, 2-5 pm, Burlington
- Monday, October 19, 5-8 pm, Rutland
- Wednesday, October 21, 5-8 pm, Burlington
- Thursday, October 22, 5-8 pm, Montpelier
- Tuesday, October 27, 5-8 pm, Middlebury
- Wednesday, October 28, 5-8 pm, Burlington
- Thursday, October 29, 5-8 pm, Montpelier
- Sunday, November 1, 2-5 pm, Burlington
- Monday, November 2, 5-8 pm, Montpelier
 
We’ll provide materials, training, a telephone, and snacks!  Contact Sheryl@vtfreetomarry.org, 802-775-0354 or Ashley@vtfreetomarry.org, 802-777-1949 for more info and to R.S.V.P.

     Do you prefer to phone bank from home?

If you have a telephone and high-speed internet, you can make calls any time between 9 AM and 9 PM EST.  Click here to select a training session and get started.

If you do phone bank from home, please email us at info@vtfreetomarry.org and let us know so we can track our efforts for Maine marriage equality.

Take a Volunteer Vacation in Maine!

 There’s still time to make a big difference for Maine’s freedom to marry. Take a long weekend, a midweek break, or even longer.  Click here to learn more.

2. Oct. 11:  Vermonters headed to the National Equality March, Washington, D.C.

Vermont Freedom to Marry supporters and equality activists nationwide are converging on Washington D.C.  While VFM encourages folks to help equality from right here in New England by phone banking for Maine or taking a Maine Volunteer Vacation, we understand that some people wouldn’t miss a gathering like this.

A group of VFM supporters are hoping Vermonters will convene to march  together.  Contact Jeff Towsley (jefftowsley@comcast.net) or Kevin Moss (moss@middlebury.edu) for information on how to connect.
 
Longtime VFM supporter Kevin Moss designed great t-shirts for the occasion.  Click here to view and order.

In addition, a Vermont contingent's bus will depart Burlington (in front of Ira Allen Chapel on the UVM Campus) at 11 PM on October 10. The return trip to Vermont will depart Washington, D.C. at 7:30 PM on October 11.  Contact for cost & other info:  Jim Ramey, 802-309-4824 or vtslacktivist@yahoo.com

3. Oct. 17:  Marriage Equality Rhode Island invites Vermonters to march for New England marriage equality in Providence

Our counterparts in Rhode Island have invited supporters from throughout New England to come march in Providence on October 17.  Rhode Island is the only New England state that hasn't embraced the freedom to marry (subject to Maine's holding its ground on the ballot in November).

They could use the support from the rest of New England.  If you decide to take a break from phone banking for Maine to make a day trip to Rhode Island, let us know -- we'll connect the Vermont contingent and send you off with a Vermont banner and signs.
 
Oct. 17 Schedule:
10 a.m.  Gather at Burnside Park (opposite Kennedy Plaza)
11 a.m.  March to the Rhode Island State House
1 p.m.    Rally for Marriage Equality on the south steps of the Rhode Island State House
4 p.m.   Marriage Equality Reception at Downcity Diner, 50 Weybosset Street
5 p.m.   The Dark Lady and Alley Cat open early for Marriage Equality, 17 & 124 Snow St., Providence
7 p.m.   Snow Street Block Party for Marriage Equality RI
9 p.m.   Marriage Equality Celebration at Mirabar, 35 Richmond Street, Providence

Click here for more information.

4.   Ballot Measure in Washington State also critical!

We're focused on our own "neighborhood," with a vital ballot question ripe for a vote in Maine.  But our counterparts in Washington State are also facing a critical challenge at the ballot box next month.  Despite a disappointing court decision from the Washington Supreme Court a few years back, the Washington state legislature has steadily added benefits to that state's domestic partnership law.  Most recently, the legislature passed, and the Governor signed, a bill that would extend all of the state law benefits of civil marriage to couples in domestic partnerships.  (In other words, the Washington law is comparable to our old civil union law.)  Before that last law takes effect, it passes through the ballot box in Washington State.

This is the first test of comprehensive domestic partnership benefits in a statewide election, and a defeat would be a setback.  To learn more about the measure, and the Approve 71 campaign (on this one, in contrast to Maine, we want a "yes" vote), click here to check out Equal Rights Washington.

Oct. 23 GLAD Spirit of Justice Award Dinner to honor VFM's Beth Robinson

On Friday evening, October 23, 2009, GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders) will honor our own Beth Robinson with their prestigious Spirit of Justice Award.

In naming Beth this year's honoree, GLAD calls Beth "a historic force in the movement for marriage equality," noting her victory in the landmark Baker v. Vermont case, which led to the first civil union law in the nation, and later her brilliant strategizing that secured marriage equality for Vermont by way of a heart-stopping override of a gubernatorial veto this past May.

We all know that Beth was (and remains) unrelenting in her passionate pursuit of equality for families, her vision, courage, steadfastness, and dedication are unsurpassed.

Join Us at this Very Special Event!

The Spirit of Justice Award is being presented at a dinner at the Boston Marriott Copley Place, beginning with a cocktail reception at 6:30, followed by dinner at 7:30 and dancing into the night.

Click here to register and be sure to select Vermont Freedom to Marry as your Table Captain if you'd like to sit with the Vermont contingent.  Tickets are $175 each.

Contact Sheryl (Sheryl@vtfreetomarry.org or 802-353-7286) for more information, including guidance on securing accommodations at the Marriott at a reduced rate if reservations are completed by October 2nd.

We are all incredibly proud of Beth, and thrilled that she is getting this deserved recognition.  Congratulations, Beth!

Same-sex Couple Celebrates Marriage Equality in Vermont!

Click here to watch a video of Dana Kaplan (of the indie-pop band the Smittens) and Katie Dyer.  They are a too-cute couple who wed at the Trapp Family Lodge on September 12th!

HELP US PROTECT MAINE EQUALITY

Election Day (Nov. 3) is coming fast and Maine couples face a "people's veto" referendum attempting to repeal the Maine freedom to marry bill that the legislature passed and Gov. Baldacci signed. Remember California's Prop 8? Equality foes have hired the same team to fight Maine's freedom to marry. Just today they launched an ad full of misinformation and fearmongering in Maine. But supporters are standing strong and making progress. Polling shows equality with a consistent lead so this IS winnable. Click here to learn more and offer your support.

Please join Vermont Freedom to Marry phone banks for Maine in Burlington, Montpelier, Middlebury, and Rutland between now and Election Day!

- Wednesday, October 7, 5-8 pm, Montpelier

- Wednesday, October 7, 5-8 pm, Middlebury

- Tuesday, October 13, 5-8 pm, Burlington

- Sunday, October 18, 2-5 pm, Burlington

- Monday, October 19, 5-8 pm, Rutland

- Thursday, October 22, 5-8 pm, Burlington

- Thursday, October 22, 5-8 pm, Montpelier

- Tuesday, October 27, 5-8 pm, Middlebury

- Wednesday, October 28, 5-8 pm, Burlington

- Thursday, October 29, 5-8 pm, Montpelier

- Sunday, November 1, 2-5 pm, Burlington

- Monday, November 2, 5-8 pm, Montpelier

Federal Respect for Marriage Act Introduced!

Yesterday in Washington, D.C., over 90 Representatives introduced the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that would repeal the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act," thereby ensuring federal recognition of valid marriages between same-sex couples and the plethora of federal protections and obligations that accompany that status.

Upon passage of this bill, validly married same-sex couples would be eligible for Social Security survivor's benefits, spousal benefits for federal employees, much broader employee health insurance benefits in the private sector, and family unification protections under our immigration laws -- among other things.  To ensure certainty, so that people do not have to fear that their federal protections may change as they travel state to state, the bill makes it clear that the federal government will recognize all marriages between same-sex couples that were valid where licensed and solemnized without regard to the residency of the couple at the time of the civil marriage or at the time the federal protections come into play.

The Respect for Marriage Act is the second component of a two-pronged attack on DOMA; the other is currently playing out in federal courts in Massachusetts.  Neither path gets us there right away, but both advance the conversation and move us ever closer to our goal.

As far as Congressional action, introduction of this bill is just a first step.  Our community's most immediate priority in Congress is passage of a strong and inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).  Hearings on that vital bill will likely begin in the next couple of weeks!

Vermont Representative Peter Welch is a co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act.  In addition, Representative Welch is a co-sponsor of the House version of ENDA, and Senators Leahy and Sanders are co-sponsors of the Senate version of ENDA.  We know that our elected leaders are often bombarded with communications from people who don't like what they're doing, while those of us who are pleased with their actions tend to take them for granted.  Please, take a moment to thank our ENTIRE Congressional delegation, and to urge them to keep up the good fight!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1)  Click here to thank Representative Welch for co-sponsoring the Respect for Marriage Act AND ENDA, and urge him to stand firm behind a strong and inclusive ENDA.

2)  Click here to thank Senator Leahy for co-sponsoring ENDA, and urge him to stand firm behind a strong and inclusive ENDA.

3)  Click here to thank Senator Sanders for co-sponsoring ENDA, and urge him to stand firm behind a strong and inclusive ENDA.

MAINE IS GROUND ZERO - It's Winnable if We All Pitch In

This past spring, the Maine Legislature followed closely on the heels of Vermont's, making Maine the second state to enact a freedom to marry law without a court mandate, and the FIRST state to pass a law including same-sex couples in civil marriage without passing through the "civil union" way station.  Exciting stuff!

But the battle in Maine is far from over.

Opponents have submitted signatures to qualify the issue for a vote on election day this November, and Maine is now in the midst of its own Prop-8 style battle.

Remember California's Prop 8?  The devastation after election day? We CAN'T let that happen again.

I've been in close contact with our counterparts in Maine.  They're amazing!  They've identified tens of thousands of supportive voters.  The polls are encouraging.  They have a well-considered plan to close this deal.  They -- and we -- can win this in Maine.

REALLY!

We've won marriage in the courts.  We've now won in legislatures.  This ultimate test -- can we win at the ballot box? -- will have profound impact on our broader movement.  We can't let up now!  Last fall I frequently said that the road to repealing Prop 8 ran right through Vermont.  Make no mistake about it, the road to repealing Prop 8 now travels the State of Maine, top to bottom, East to West.

Here's how we can help: