James Neiley Supports Marriage Equality in Vermont

As you may know, debate is underway in Vermont on legislation in favor of marriage equality for same-sex couples. The bill has already passed in the Senate with a substantial majority: 26 – 4. It is now under consideration in the House. (See, e.g., "Vermont moves closer to equality", Mike Tidmus : Blog, 24 March 2009.)

Below are a few very short excerpts of longer testimony by one James Neiley in support of marriage equality. Mr. Neiley is a 17-year-old high-school student. He happens to be gay, and he'd like to dream about getting married in Vermont.

I want Vermont to let me feel right. I want Vermont to help me feel like I am worth just as much to the world as my brother, or my mom, or my dad, because there is nothing wrong with me, there is nothing wrong with being gay. […]

I refuse to accept the current law telling me I must leave my home to be considered worthy of marriage. Honestly, I love Vermont and I can't believe that somewhere with such beauty, and somewhere with so many artistic, caring, and courageous people, would disallow happiness to a whole group of equally shimmering people just because of sexuality. […]

I want children to grow up knowing that marriage is about love and not about gender roles.

–James Neiley, testifying before the Vermont General Assembly on behalf of marriage equality, 24 March 2009

I think I will advocate for using the phrase "shimmering people".

Here is the video testimony (5-minute statement, plus 4.5 minutes of Q&A):

(Via Joe.My.God.)

Posted on March 24, 2009 at 16.51 by jns · Permalink
In: All, Current Events, Faaabulosity

One Response

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  1. Written by S.W. Anderson
    on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 at 02.15
    Permalink

    Well said and from the heart. I hope members of the Vermont
    House can summon the humanity to hear what that young man
    said.

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