Take Action for Vermont Marriage Equality

Vermont House Passes Marriage Equality Same-sex marriage bill advances

Forwarded from New Hampshire Freedom To Marry (NHFTM)

MONTPELIER — Vermont ’s House of Representatives gave preliminary approval tonight to a historic same-sex marriage bill, setting up a showdown with Gov. Jim Douglas.After nearly four hours of passionate debate from supporters and opponents of the measure, the House approved the bill by a vote of 95-52 shortly after 9 p.m. The legislation, S.115, gives same-sex couples the right to marry in Vermont .The bill will be brought up again Friday for final approval, then return to the Senate, where changes to language must be approved. Should the Senate OK those changes, the bill will head to Douglas ’ desk and a promised veto.That veto — which Douglas declared last week he would deliver — would not kill the legislation. Instead members of the House and Senate will try to override the veto by securing a two-thirds majority of support in each chamber. The Senate would need 20 votes; the House would need 100 with all members in attendance.

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s): Governor John Lynch (if you live in New Hampshire)Your State Senator (if you live in New Hampshire)

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: The time is now, support HB436

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

I am writing to you today regarding House Bills 436. I am writing to you to request your support for this bill and to ask how you intend to vote on this bill. Regarding HB436, I believe in granting marriage equality to gays and lesbians. I want to end discrimination and the segregation of gay/lesbian families by urging you to pass HB 436 and marriage equality. Excluding gay/lesbian couples from marriage or segregating them with separate institutions, like civil unions -- marks them and their children as less worthy than other citizens.Children of gay/lesbian couples are harmed when their families are treated as less worthy. HB436 upholds freedom of religion. This bill is about civil marriage, and leaves decisions about religious ceremonies to faith leaders.NH's motto is "Live Free or Die." I believe that most people, when called upon, will do the right thing. In this case, please do the right thing and support marriage equality. Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
[your name automatically inserted]

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