"Ten years ago today, the Vermont General Assembly voted to override the Governor’s veto of marriage equality.
“Getting to that moment, however, required decades of work from advocates, community leaders, and legislators who fought to make marriage equality a reality in Vermont and who have my gratitude. It’s also the issue that sparked my interest in serving in the Legislature. In 2000 I was an active volunteer with the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force and vividly remember the two days of House debate on Civil Unions unfold as I observed from the gallery. In 2009, I cast my own vote in support of full marriage equality - a vote I consider one of the proudest moments of my public service.
“Vermont is the first - and only - state to legalize same-sex marriage through legislation on its own, rather than through a court decision. We’ve made incredible strides in protecting the rights of the LGBTQIA community, but there is much work to be done. In a time when the national rhetoric in our country is testing our beliefs on inclusion and fairness, I am proud of our state and our people for continuing to fight for fairness and equality, and for a strong future for all Vermonters.”