Out In The Mountains : News - Town Meetings Mixed on Unions Legislation

The issue raised at the end of the meeting by an opponent of same-gender marriage, who read a prepared statement about a civil union bill’s effect on children being ‘taught against traditional marriage.’ She encouraged everyone to fill out the Doyle survey.

The moderator quickly dismissed the meeting after this statement, curtailing any further discussion.

Colchester (Mar. 6)

There was no mention of gay marriage and no vote on the issue.

Derby Rep. Nancy Sheltra sent out a survey with two questions: “Do you support same sex marriages?” and “Do you support the creation of a domestic partnership law by he Vermont Legislature which would allow same-sex couples the same basic benefits as married heterosexual couples presently have?”

At the meeting, few indicated interest in the topic. When the subject was broached, the meeting was quickly ended. Sheltra was reportedly incensed by avoidance of the discussion.

Hinesburg (Mar. 6, 7:30pm; attendance appeared above average)

Rep. Bill Lippert, having explained Hinesburg-related legislative business, explained the work of the House Judiciary Committee and the civil union bill. He made a short statement thanking the people of Hinesburg for their continued respect and true civility despite differences of opinion on the matter.

The majority of attendees rose to a standing ovation as Lippert returned to his seat. A noticeable minority stayed seated and did not applaud. There was no additional discussion and no votes on the issue.

Huntington (Brewster Pierce School, Mar. 7, 9am; estimated attendance 200)

A same-gender marriage supporter asked Governor Dean about the consequences of legislative inaction this year. Dean indicated support for the civil union bill but did not answer the question asked.

Moderator Britt Cummings, husband of TIP founder Michelle Cummings, stepped out of role to state beliefs that everyone should oppose same-gender marriage and that government should determine community moral standards.

Rep. Karen Steele, who voted against the civil union bill in the House Ways and Means Committee, announced she wanted constituent feedback before deciding on her floor vote. Rep Val Vincent said she would vote for the bill and received applause and some cheers.

There was no vote on the issue, and once the governor and representatives left, no further discussion of it.

Leicester (Mar.6)

The meeting ended “delightfully early” without mention of or votes on either domestic partnership or marriage.

Middlebury (Mar. 6, estimated attendance 200)

Although two dozen or more pink stickers were scattered throughout the crowd, there was no discussion of the issue and no votes.

The only mention of same-gender marriage came when one selectman encouraged the crowd to complete the Doyle poll the following day, as it might be the only opportunity for most folks to air their views on the matter. He announced that the Middlebury results of the poll would be tabulated before sending the surveys back to Sen. Doyle.

(Those taking the survey the next day opposed same-gender marriage by a small margin, opposed a constitutional amendment banning it, opposed inaction, on the issue and supported domestic partnership.)

Newport area

Rep. Forest Buckland distributed a flyer at all meetings. It suggested all constituents contact their representatives and ask whether they thought supporting the bill was “worth losing his job this November.”

It also asked voters to inquire whether reps thought the Supreme Court should be impeached for separation of powers and whether they supported a constitutional amendment defining marriage as heterosexual and forbidding same-sex couples from attaining marital rights, benefits, and privileges.

Sudbury (Mar. 6)

An opponent of same-gender unions moved for a floor vote on the Doyle poll questions related to the issue. Several people directed heated questions at Rep. Pat Smith.

One woman then stood and said “I ask that if there is to be a discussion of this issue here tonight that it be respectful. I ask you to remember that H847 directly effects the lives of several of us in this room. Remember that you are talking about the lives of people here in Sudbury, one of whom is me.”

The vote on the motion to hold the votes was conducted by a show of hands; approximately 10 people supported it and 50 people opposed it.

Worcester

Rep. Henrietta Jordan discussed the same-sex civil union bill before the House, indicating strong support for it. She referred constituents to a several-page pamphlet she had written on the subject and which could be found in the back of the room.

Jordan reminded folks about the important roles played by gays in the Worcester community in public service and said that when people considered the same-sex civil union bill, they should consider it in light of how they feel about their gay neighbors.

There was no response, positive or negative, to her remarks, and the meeting continued without further discussion of the issue.

Thanks to CK in Huntington, JE in the Northeast Kingdom, JW in Leicester, PO in Colchester, JL in Sudbury, DG and BL in Hinesburg, and readers in Worcester, Bennington, and Middlebury.