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Yes, gay marriages are legal in Vermont as of 2009 September 1.
Civil Unions were introduced to Vermont (and the US) in July 2000. Vermont was the first state to legalize civil unions in the US, and the third after Hawaii and California to offer legal status to gay couples.
Bill HistoryThe gay marriage bill (H275) was introduced to the Vermont Legislature on 2007 February 9. This led to the formation of a committee to study the issue on July 25 of that year, reporting in 2008, but declining to make a recommendation. The same-sex marriage bill was then introduced in the Senate on 2009 March 20, and passed on March 23. The judiciary committee of the house amended it and passed it 8-2 before it passed in the house with a 95-52 vote on April 3, short of a veto-proof 2/3 vote. April 6, the senate passed the bill, which was immediately vetoed by Governor Jim Douglas. The next day on 2009 April 7, the veto was overridden by the house and the senate (100-49 and 23-5) enabling the creation of gay marriages in Vermont as of 2009 September 1.
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Does the state of Vermont still recognize civil unions legally performed in Vermont before same-sex marriage was legalized there?
Yes, it recognizes them as having all the same rights and responsibilities as legal marriage. Civil union licenses were issued in Vermont from July 1, 2000 until August 31, 2009. Same-sex marriage was legalized beginning September 1, 2009 and no further civil union licenses can be issued.
If you have a civil union in Vermont do you now have to marry your partner?
No. Although there can be no new civil unions in Vermont, existing ones are still valid. You can remain partners in civil union and receive rights and privileges identical to legal marriage, yet your relationship is not a legal marriage unless you actually legally marry your same-sex partner which you can now do in Vermont.
Are same-sex civil unions legal in American Samoa?
No. Civil unions are not legal in American Samoa.
Does Washington D.C. recognize civil unions legally performed in Vermont?
Yes, Washington DC recognizes civil unions performed in other states, including those from Vermont, pursuant to the Domestic Partnership Judicial Determination of Parentage Act of 2009. They are treated as legal marriages in Washington, DC.
Are same-sex civil unions legal in Tennessee?
No. Civil unions are not legal under the laws of the state of Tennessee.
Are same-sex civil unions legal in Nebraska?
No. Civil unions are not legal nor recognized in the state of Nebraska.
Are civil unions legal?
In some places. Civil unions are legal in the states where they performed. They are also legal in other states that have legalized civil unions. Many places where same-sex marriage is legal will recognize a civil union as a legal marriage. Please see attached related question for a list of places where civil unions are legally performed.
Are same-sex civil unions legal in North Dakota?
No, civil unions and domestic partnership are not legally defined in North Dakota.
Are same-sex civil unions legal in the Northern Mariana Islands?
No. Civil unions are not legal in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Are same-sex civil unions legal in the US Virgin Islands?
No. Civil unions are not legal in the US Virgin Islands.
Can a same-sex marriage be performed as a civil union?
No. A civil union and legal marriage are two different things. If you perform a civil union, then you end up with a civil union, not a same-sex marriage. The only exception is in the states that used to permit only civil unions, but now allow same-sex marriages. In some of those states, existing civil unions were automatically converted to marriages. In at least one other state (Vermont), civil unions remained civil unions and no new civil unions were permitted.
Are same-sex civil unions legal in Utah?
No, civil unions are banned and unrecognized in Utah.
