Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott dedicatedthe Vermont Equality for Same-Sex Couples Historic Site Marker at the State House in Montpelieron Tuesday morning.The site marker commemorates the Vermont Supreme Court ruling and Civil Union legislation in 2000, granting legal recognition to same-sex couples for the first time anywhere in the US, and the achievement of full marriage equality through a vote of the legislature in 2009. Representative Bill Lippert and Supreme Court Justice Beth Robinson will also provide first-hand remembrances of the events.
The Marriage Equality Historic Site Marker is the 240th commemorative marker to be placed in Vermont. Unveiled in 1947 by the Vermont Legislature, the Historic Site Marker program remembers Vermont’s many people, events, and places of regional, statewide, or national significance. The cast-aluminum green markers, crested with the distinctive gold state seal, are placed throughout the state to provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and insights into the present. The program is operated by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
“Vermont has been a leader on issues of civil rights and acceptance since our inception, and I’m pleased the state will commemorate our leadership on the issue of marriage equality,” said GovernorPhil Scott.
The dedication of the Marriage Equality Historic Site was followed by a reception sponsored by the Vermont State Curator’s Office in the Cedar Creek Room of the State House. A meeting was then held in the State House to continue the discussion of identifying those places that tell the story of Vermont’s LGBTQ history.
Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson said in a statement:
"We cannot underestimate the significance of marriage equality for all Vermonters. This legislation not only established marriage equality for all Vermonters, it once again put our brave little state at the forefront of standing up for what is right. In a time when our country is testing our beliefs on inclusion and fairness, I am proud of our state and our people for continuing to fight for fairness and equality, and for a strong future for Vermont.
"I cut my political teeth during the fight for marriage equality, volunteering with Freedom to Marry, standing at county fairs, door knocking, and helping people understand why this was critical. I made the decision to run for the legislature as I watched the civil unions floor debate unfold in the House in 2000. Nine years leader, I had the ultimate privilege of voting for true marriage equality. I, and many of my colleagues consider that marriage vote the most impactful piece of legislation we have voted on in service to our state.
"I thank the Division for Historic Preservation and Vermont State Curator's Office for honoring this law with the ceremony today, and the marker that will remind visitors and Vermonters of this law for years to come. My only regret is that I am unable to celebrate this with you in person."
To learn more, visithttp://accd.vermont.gov/historic-preservation/roadside-markers.
Soruce: Governor 10.17.2017. Vermont Tourism photos.