Governor Jim Douglas
109 State Street, Pavilion
Montpelier, VT 05609-0101
April 8, 2009
RE: Civil marriage bill H275
Dear Governor Douglas,
I just read the news that your veto of H275, the bill that would bring same-sex marriage to Vermont, was overridden by the legislature.
The excuses that you gave for your veto – that it is a “personal” decision, that it “interferes” with lawmakers’ attention to the economy – all ring hollow to me. You are an elected representative vetoing a bill that would keep jobs and families in Vermont – so there must be another reason.
I would like an explanation of what you were honestly thinking when you chose to oppose equality. Why would an American deny freedom to another; why would a Republican meddle in individual personal relationships; why would a Christian go against even the teachings of his UCC Church, and treat others as he would not like to be treated himself?
Sincerely,