Vermont Gov. Howard Dean has signed a law making his state the first in the nation to grant same-sex couples some of the same rights as married heterosexual couples.
The governor signed the law last week in a private ceremony, just days after the state House voted 79 to 68 to legally recognize lesbian and gay relationships, and giving birth to a new verb: to C.U., to civil unionize. The state Senate had passed the measure earlier in April.
"I think it is a courageous and powerful statement about who we are in the state of Vermont. I also believe that this legislation speaks to the heart of this state, and certainly to my heart," Gov. Dean, a Democrat, told the media after the signing.
The new civil unions provide more than 300 state benefits for gay couples, from inheritance rights to property transfers. Couples will be entitled to obtain civil union licenses after July 1 and to receive some tax and insurance rights after Jan. 1, 2001. But marriage itself is still defined in Vermont as the union of one man and one woman.
The action comes about four months after the Vermont Supreme Court decision that found gay couples were being unconstitutionally denied the benefits of marriage. The high court left it up to the legislature to decide whether to allow gay marriages or create an alternative.
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, which served as a friend-of-the-court last December, responded quickly to the news.
"The possibilities for our families and, indeed, the shape of our movement are forever changed," said Lambda Legal Director Beatrice Dohrn.
"Vermonters are to be commended for their thoughtful and fairminded deliberations. They are the first, but certainly not the last, to take this giant step toward equality.
"Vermont has sent a signal to the entire nation that it is no longer tolerable to deny lesbians and gay couples the respect other couples take for granted," Dohrn said. "When other states follow suit, they will certainly be grateful to Vermonters for their leadership. Today is a day of celebration for lesbians and gay men in Vermont, and throughout this country. Of course we continue to still look forward to the day when we win the freedom to participate fully in marriage itself."
Human Rights Campaign Director Elizabeth Birch said: "We commend the Governor for his leadership in signing legislation that goes further than any other state in offering fair and equal benefits to all of its citizens. This is a historic moment in our struggle for equality and a monumental leap forward for the legal recognition of our families."
Under the bill, gay and lesbian partners may apply for a license from a town clerk and have their unions certified by a justice of the peace, a judge or a member of the clergy. To dissolve a union, couples must be Vermont residents for at least six months and proceed through family court.
The U.S. government will not recognize same-sex unions on immigration rights, Social Security benefits and federal taxes, among other matters. Many states have also passed laws stating that they will not recognize same-sex marriages performed and sanctioned in other statesbut it is not clear how the Vermont law might impact "C.U." couples who move to, or visit, other states.