The Vermont Senate passed a bill this week that would recognize the so-called 'civil union' of same-sex couples. Gay and lesbian couples who enter into a civil union would be entitled to the tax breaks, inheritance rights, and other benefits afforded to married straight couples.
The Vermont legislature struggled with the language of the statute - civil partnership was discarded, marriage was right out. It may just be that Vermont's found the path that eluded Alaska and Hawaii - a language that reconciles the division of opinion in the US over gay marriage.
Across the nation, more and more companies are extending benefits to same-sex couples. But 30 states already have laws on the books that forbid the recognition of homosexual marriage, and the family rights lobby isn't about to take this lying down.
So as goes Vermont, so goes the nation? The state of gay union - in the second hour of The Connection. (Hosted by Christopher Lydon)
Mary Bonauto, Co-council in the suit Baker v. State which brought about the Legislation and Civil rights director at G.L.A.D. (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders).
