John K. :
The victory through the legislature is definitely a sweeter victory than a Court victory– when it works. Vermont is the first of hopefully many states to enact same-sex marriage through the legislative process. However, we must continue our effort on ALL fronts. Some states will be won through the legislatures, others through the courts. It’s the nature of the beast, and I think both have their own advantages. The nice thing about winning in Court is the declaration that we are ENTITLED to our right to marry rather than permitted to marry, which is what a legislative victory is. Being entitled as well as permitted is the best of both worlds.

I’m fully supporting gay marriage, but personally I feel the one undefined area is does the act of joining two persons together belong in a Church in front of your God or is it just another act like getting a drivers license. Although where you see a victory in Court as also a good thing I see the lack of ability to change the law in the manner the Constitution allows and I do not recognize the Courts authority in such a manner.

marc :
Good argument, Jason. If this is what the people of Vermont, so be it. Those who disagree strongly are free to move elsewhere. Similarly, citizens of other states should be free to set their own standards.

Before long they may have to move out of the US altogether, if that is such a contestable point. Whether by the acceptable but flawed Iowa method or the superior Vermont process, gay people are going to be equal.