Vermont commemorates civil unions with historic site marker

Montpelier, Vt. — Vermont is commemorating its first-in-the-nation civil union law and subsequent marriage equality legislation with an historic site marker on its State House lawn.

The marker was unveiled Tuesday.

Vermont became the first state to grant legal recognition to same-sex couples with its civil union legislation in 2000.

In 2009, state lawmakers passed marriage equality legislation. The U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015.

Republican Gov. Phil Scott said "since its founding Vermont has been a leader in protecting and furthering civil rights, embracing diversity and promoting tolerance."

He says the marker will "fittingly celebrate Vermont's commitment to advancing civil rights."

It's the 240th commemorative marker to be placed in Vermont.

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The Gayly – October 17, 2017 @ 1:30 p.m. CDT.