Peter Shumlin on Civil Rights

Repeal DOMA; treat all of our citizens equally

It disrespects states' decisions to treat all of our citizens equally, and even requires our states' governments to actively discriminate against our own lawfully-married citizens.

We've shown that respecting and supporting all families makes our state and our communities stronger. I have no doubt that getting rid of DOMA will likewise make our nation stronger.

Apply laws equally to gays and all groups

Define marriage as "two people" not "one man & one woman"

Vermont legislative summary for S.115: Marriage is the legally recognized union of two people [changing the definition from "one man and one woman"]. Gender-specific terms relating to the marital relationship, including "spouse," "bride," "groom," "husband," "wife," "widow," and "widower," shall be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes throughout the law.

Governor's veto message: This is an issue that is intensely personal, but I am charged by our Constitution to act, and by its return without my signature, I have fulfilled that responsibility. Vermont's civil union law has afforded the same state rights, responsibilities and benefits of marriage to same sex couples. I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.

Legislative outcome: 4/6 vetoed by Governor Douglas; 4/7 veto override in House 94-52-3; 4/7 Senate veto override 23-5-2.

Define marriage as "two people" not "one man & one woman"

Vermont legislative summary for S.115: Marriage is the legally recognized union of two people [changing the definition from "one man and one woman"]. Gender-specific terms relating to the marital relationship, including "spouse," "bride," "groom," "husband," "wife," "widow," and "widower," shall be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes throughout the law.

Governor's veto message: This is an issue that is intensely personal, but I am charged by our Constitution to act, and by its return without my signature, I have fulfilled that responsibility. Vermont's civil union law has afforded the same state rights, responsibilities and benefits of marriage to same sex couples. I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.

Legislative outcome: 4/6 vetoed by Governor Douglas; 4/7 veto override in House 94-52-3; 4/7 Senate veto override 23-5-2.