MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont Legislature Tuesday overrode Gov. Jim Douglas’s veto of legislation that fabricates same-sex “marriage” in the state, which was the first state to implement “civil unions” in 2000. Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund say that the legislation is a textbook rebuttal of the argument that “civil unions” are a satisfactory compromise to protect marriage.
“Politicians should never impose a system that intentionally deprives a child of a mother and father. The state should do everything necessary to ensure that children aren’t denied their most important birthright: a mom and a dad,” said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Austin R. Nimocks.
“This move also demonstrates without question that ‘civil unions’ are never acceptable middle ground. Instead, they are the groundwork used to pave the way toward what you see today. Other states should not be naïve,” Nimocks added.
ADF attorneys say the decision of Washington, D.C., officials to recognize same-sex “marriages” from other jurisdictions is not only legally problematic, but also indicates a troubling willingness on the part of D.C. officials to join Vermont legislators in promoting a system that will intentionally promote homes where children will not have the benefit of a mother and father.
“All non-partisan research and plain common sense tells us that children need a mom and dad. When children are denied a mom and a dad, it leads to far more drug use, early sexual activity, criminal activity, mental depression, suicide, and problems in school,” said Nimocks. “The issue is bigger than a ‘personal relationship.’ How can we justify hurting an untold number of children for the possible emotional benefit of a very small number of adults?”
According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, same-sex couples represent only 0.6 percent of the total population of Vermont and 1.2 percent of the total population of the District of Columbia.
ADF is a legal alliance of Christian attorneys and like-minded organizations defending the right of people to freely live out their faith. Launched in 1994, ADF employs a unique combination of strategy, training, funding, and litigation to protect and preserve religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage, and the family.
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