The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today applauded the Vermont legislature's decision for same-sex couples in that state. The Vermont Senate and the House of Representatives voted to override the veto issued by Governor Jim Douglas, thus legalizing marriages of gay and lesbian couples.
"Today's decision is an important step, and affirms the enduring commitment of so many gay and lesbian couples in Vermont," said GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano. "As people come to know the stories of the couples at the heart of these decisions, we are seeing the kind of culture change that creates this progress – progress that ensures that all people, regardless of their orientation, are protected equally under the law."
"GLAAD encourages media reporting on this story to include the stories of these Vermont couples whose love and commitment is at the center of today's vote," Giuliano added.
The Pulse of Equality survey, conducted by Harris Interactive and commissioned by GLAAD, shows that majorities of Americans favor either marriage or civil unions/domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian couples. Three-quarters of U.S. adults (75%) favor either marriage or domestic partnerships/civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. Only about two in 10 (22%) say gay and lesbian couples should have no legal recognition.For more on The Pulse of Equality Survey, download the results.
