A state commission on Vermont's civil union law submitted its report to the legislature on Monday but made no recommendations on revising the law to allow for same-sex marriage.
Nevertheless, LGBT groups hailed the report as a major breakthrough that will help lawmakers realize civil unions, though well intended, do not go far enough.
The Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection detailed months of hearings it held throughout the state, where same-sex couples complained they were still discriminated against because employers, hospitals and insurance companies do not see their relationships as the equivalent of marriage.
Opponents of same-sex marriage complained that the report did not contain their objections to gay unions.
It will now be up to the legislature to decide what to do with the report. Lawmakers supportive of same-sex marriage say they intend to begin crafting a marriage equality bill.
Nothing is expected to be done about it until after the election, however. That means there is no likelihood of a bill before 2009.
Nevertheless, LGBT groups hailed the report as a major breakthrough that will help lawmakers realize civil unions, though well intended, do not go far enough.
The Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection detailed months of hearings it held throughout the state, where same-sex couples complained they were still discriminated against because employers, hospitals and insurance companies do not see their relationships as the equivalent of marriage.
Opponents of same-sex marriage complained that the report did not contain their objections to gay unions.
It will now be up to the legislature to decide what to do with the report. Lawmakers supportive of same-sex marriage say they intend to begin crafting a marriage equality bill.
Nothing is expected to be done about it until after the election, however. That means there is no likelihood of a bill before 2009.
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