I just received an email from Deb Markowitz announcing her support for marriage equity. I’m not decided as a primary supporter yet, but want to share this because I think it’s commendable for two reasons; for making a clear statement of her position as part of the primary process, and of course, for the position she took!
The other oft-mentioned prospective candidates, Bartlett, Racine and Shumlin, have all also indicated their support by voting in favor of this issue.
From her email:
I’m reaching out to you now to share a recent opinion piece I wrote on marriage equality. Given today’s vote, I thought it was important to share my position – please feel free to forward it to anyone else who might be interested.
I was surprised and disappointed to see that Governor Jim Douglas has stated that he will veto the marriage equality bill that is now moving through the legislature. Vermont was a national leader when we adopted the civil union law in 2000. Since that time we learned that civil unions are not good enough.
(full text below)
Thank you for joining the hundreds of Vermonters who have signed up to stay in touch with my campaign efforts. As we move forward, I hope you and I can continue a meaningful exchange of ideas through my website and through email.
I’m reaching out to you now to share a recent opinion piece I wrote on marriage equality. Given today’s vote, I thought it was important to share my position – please feel free to forward it to anyone else who might be interested.
OPINION EDITORIAL
March 27, 2009
The Time for Marriage Equality is Now
By Deb Markowitz
I was surprised and disappointed to see that Governor Jim Douglas has stated that he will veto the marriage equality bill that is now moving through the legislature. Vermont was a national leader when we adopted the civil union law in 2000. Since that time we learned that civil unions are not good enough.
My office was charged with assisting in the implementation of the civil union law. It was our job to train the clerks and justices of the peace and explain the law to the public. I was also asked to report back to the legislature on the success of its implementation. As I reported to the commission appointed to study marriage equality, unlike a person who has been married in Vermont, a person who has obtained a civil union here leaves the state, and enters into a legal limbo that has meaningful consequences for the individuals and their families.
For many families this is a very personal issue. In my family both my sister and my stepsister are in long term lesbian relationships. My sister and her partner have been together for 21 years. My stepsister and her partner have a beautiful daughter together. It is hard to explain to my children why Laura and Rachele do not have the same right to marry that Paul and I have. I love my sisters and want them to have every possible benefit in life including the right to marry the people they love.
There is no question that these are difficult times for many Vermonters and that the legislature must, and will focus on getting Vermonters back to work and helping our struggling businesses. There is no question that the legislature must and will pass a tough and balanced budget and they will decide how best to use the federal stimulus money to create new jobs, to make our roads and bridges safer, to bring fast internet connections to our rural communities, and to help more Vermonters tighten up their home to save on energy costs.
By threatening to veto the pending legislation the governor has taken a step to further divide the state rather than using his unique position as governor to bring us together in recognition of our common interest to have stable loving families. It is divisive and will create a greater distraction.
I know firsthand that separate is not equal when it comes to this important civil right. The legislature is capable of addressing multiple issues, so the argument that there are more compelling problems facing the state is no excuse. Standing up for the rights of all Vermonters to join in marriage is the right thing to do.
Best,
Deb
www.debforvermont.com