California court decision could affect debate in Vermont

People on both sides of the gay marriage debate in Vermont say they expect a California Supreme Court decision allowing gay marriage in that state will be used as ammunition if, as expected, Vermont lawmakers take up the issue next year.

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"There will be an effort in the next legislative session to have a bill that would move marriage forward for all Vermonters," said Bari Shamas of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force.

"Vermont's civil union law does not go far enough and this California decision matters," Shamas added. "The Legislature will have yet another example of why it is important. Each time the wheels turn in that direction it helps create momentum that says this is really the right thing to do."

Stephen Cable, an opponent of gay marriage and a member of the Vermont Marriage Advisory Council, said, "All eyes are now on Vermont," he said. "There will be a heightened awareness of gay marriage and I expect there will be a bill written on the first day of the legislative session."

  California court decision could affect debate in Vermont
Boston Globe - United States