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Vermonters Lauded at Democratic Convention

by Barbara Dozetos

VT Auditor Edward Flanagan (foreground) and State Rep. Bill Lippert (far right) introduced Governor Howard Dean (left rear) to a luncheon cosposored by the National Stonewall Democratic Federation and the Human Rights Campaign at the Democratic National Convention in August. Human Rights Campaign director Elizabeth Birch stands to Lippert's right. photo: Courtesy Stonewall Democratic Federation

Democrats who attended their party’s national convention last month enthusiastically greeted the Vermont delegation.

Governor Howard Dean was treated as a hero by members of the party. His introduction at a welcome luncheon co-sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign and the Stonewall Democratic Federation was followed by thunderous applause and cheers.

The 212-member gay and lesbian caucus to the convention reacted the same way to Vermont’s only openly gay legislator. “When I introduced myself at the first meeting of the gay and lesbian caucus,” said Rep. Bill Lippert of Hinesburg, “I got a standing, roaring ovation.”

“People are so grateful to us,” said Lippert of Vermont’s new civil union law. “What we have done has touched people across the country.”

Edward Flanagan, the state’s Auditor of Accounts and the first openly gay individual ever elected to a statewide office in the U.S., said he heard nothing but kudos for Vermont from throughout the party. “It was uplifting to see the hope we’ve given people in other states,” said Flanagan.

The Vermont Democrats saw no sign of the ridicule that civil union opponents say is being heaped upon the state in other parts of the country.

“Anyone who says we’re being laughed at,” said Flanagan, “is spending time in the wrong company.”

Being in the room when Human Rights Campaign director Elizabeth Birch addressed the convention in a prime-time speech, he said, underscored the fact that in the Democratic party, gays and lesbians actually have a voice. “We are at that table,” he said. “It felt just as it should feel.”

Flanagan called the Republican convention’s treatment of gays and lesbians “laughable.” “Until the Republicans get with the constitutional program where civil rights are concerned,” he said, “they will continue to shut out a large and very important segment of American voters.”

Lippert said Birch’s address was a significant moment, but he was particularly moved by that of Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts. “When Barney finished his speech,” said Lippert, “he was greeted by his partner with a kiss before they left the platform.”

In contrast to that, said Lippert, the Republican convention’s only openly gay speaker, Rep. Jim Kolbe of Arizona, being delegated to address economics was unremarkable.