Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott will dedicate the Vermont Equality for Same-Sex Couples Historic Site Marker at the State House in Montpelier, on Tuesday, October 17, at 10 a.m.
The site marker commemorates the Vermont Supreme Court ruling and Civil Union legislation in 2000, granting legal recognition to same-sex couples for the first time anywhere in the U.S., and the achievement of full marriage equality through a vote of the legislature in 2009. Representative Bill Lippert and Supreme Court Justice Beth Robinson will also provide first-hand remembrances of the events.
The Marriage Equality Historic Site Marker is the 240th commemorative marker to be placed in Vermont. Unveiled in 1947 by the Vermont Legislature, the Historic Site Marker program remembers Vermont’s many people, events, and places of regional, statewide, or national significance. The cast-aluminum green markers, crested with the distinctive gold state seal, are placed throughout the state to provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and insights into the present. The program is operated by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
“Vermont has been a leader on issues of civil rights and acceptance since our inception, and I’m pleased the state will commemorate our leadership on the issue of marriage equality,” said Gov. Phil Scott.
The dedication of the Marriage Equality Historic Site will be followed by a reception sponsored by the Vermont State Curator’s Office in the Cedar Creek Room of the State House. A meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. in Room 11 of the State House to continue the discussion of identifying those places that tell the story of Vermont’s LGBTQ history. All are welcome to attend.
To learn more, visit http://accd.vermont.gov/historic-preservation/roadside-markers.