FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | April 27, 2000
Vermont Legislature, Governor Approve Landmark Legislation for Gays and Lesbians
San Francisco's National Center for Lesbian Rights Hails Decision, Celebrates Civil Rights Breakthrough
(San Francisco, CA, April 27, 2000) — Kathryn D. Kendell, Esq., Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, issued the following statement regarding the passage of Vermont's "civil union" law which grants same-sex couples more than 300 legal rights previously offered only to heterosexual married couples. These rights include, but are not limited to, tax benefits, inheritance rights and medical decision-making.
"This historic piece of legislation marks the first time a state has accorded to lesbian and gay couples the full equality and protection we deserve and have long been denied. This is a victory not just for couples in Vermont but for lesbians and gay men throughout the United States, hopefully marking the beginning of a national effort to secure equality in the rest of the country."
The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.
media contacts:
Erik Olvera
Director of Communications
National Center for Lesbian Rights
office: 415.392.6257 x324
EOlvera@NCLRights.org
Bethany Woolman
Communications Associate
National Center for Lesbian Rights
office: 415.392.6257 x305
BWoolman@NCLRights.org