This page is dated Spring 2001. For more recent legislative updates, see our homepage.

On Wednesday, May 23 H.502, the Reciprocal Beneficiaries bill was presented and given a first vote by the House Floor Assembly. After a lengthy debate, and a 69-69 deadlock, House Speaker Walter Freed broke the tie by voting in favor of H.502. On Thursday, May 24, the bill narrowly passed, with a second vote to approve, 72-69.

We oppose this bill because its purpose does not serve those people it proposes to benefit. Instead it is a clear attempt by this committee to undermine the respectability of the Civil Union Act 91 signed last year by Gov. Howard Dean. There has been virtually no testimony supporting this proposal. Not one person, in the category of ineligible to marry or be a party to a civil union, has come forward with conclusive testimony on how this bill would help them.

We encourage you to support your legislators who voted against H.502. For a list of those representatives, click here.

In addition, please remember that each conversation with a questioning friend, neighbor, coworker and family member brings understanding to why civil unions are an important step in recognizing equal rights for all Vermonters. Education of the public is our collective responsibility. And of course our efforts need you financial support.

Below are links to state house committees and commissions and to the text of bills introduced.

Check back here for further updates on state house activities.