Vermont has been a prime target for marriage rights activists, who hoped 2009 would mark the Green Mountain State’s passage of a marriage law that would allow for same-sex nuptials. But one of the leading marriage equality supporters in the state legislature, Rep. Johanna Donovan, is getting cold feet. Why? The economy:
“It’s an argument I’m having with myself because I think it’s the right thing to do,” Donovan said. “I don’t know if now is the time. My major concern is taking care of vulnerable people. I don’t want to be distracted from that.”
The realities of Vermont’s finances are stark, to be sure. But is it possible for legislatures to do things at once? That’s what plenty of marriage activists say. Of course, Vermont’s governor, who doesn’t like marriage bills, could have the final say thanks to his veto pen. And did Prop 8 play a role in cooling off discussion in Vermont? We may never know.
