Vermont’s Democrats apparently know where they’re going and why, if today’s no-drama, no-shenanigans nominating convention is an indicator.

After a predictable speech by the venerable Senator Leahy, and the assumption of duties as convention chair by Jake Perkinson, the first order of business was a motion, submitted by yours truly:

National Marriage Equality Resolution

WHEREAS: Gender equality is one of the most significant moral and legal issues of the 21st Century; and,

WHEREAS: The Vermont Democratic Party has unequivocally endorsed and supported equality in all aspects of American life;

NOW THEREFORE: Be it resolved by the Vermont Democratic Party, in convention this 26th day of May 2012

FIRST: That the platform of the Vermont Democratic Party and the platform of the National Democratic Party should endorse unqualified support for marriage equality under civil law for same-gender couples; and,

SECOND: That all delegates selected to represent the Vermont Democratic Party within Vermont’s borders or beyond, in state or national conventions or meetings, are directed to fully support as a matter of policy the inclusion in the National Democratic Party’s Platform a plank committing the Party to the complete and immediate implementation of gender equality and equal treatment for same-gender couples under state and federal law.

It passed by acclamation. Which is as it should be for Democrats and Vermonters.

It commits the slate of two dozen national convention delegates from Vermont elected today, and another handful of 15 so-called “At-Large and PLEO delegates,” or what used to be called “super-delegates” (and 2 alternates), to support a national marriage equality plank in the platform. PLEO stands for “Political Leaders and Elected Officials.”

Passage without comment or amendment was not necessarily a no-brainer, given Jake’s abrupt about-face on this issue on May 4, followed by an announcement of his personal gratification a week later when the President decided he’d “evolved” enough.

It went well.* Even if it’s a symbolic gesture because likely no Vermont delegates will be on the Platform Committee, it’s good that the VDP is now on record supporting a national marriage equality plank.

*Addendum: To be fair, one reason the motion was accepted and passed without objection (“went well”) was that Chair Jake Perkinson facilitated its passage. By report from a couple of sources, he announced in a VDP staff meeting the week before the convention that he supported the resolution and wanted it to pass. He was cooperative and consulted with me on the best time to bring the motion and whether passing by acclamation was an acceptable process and outcome (um, yeah).