A special legislative commission studying possible legalization of same-sex marriage in Vermont is due to release its report today.
The Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection has held a series of public meetings around the state and conducted extensive research into questions surrounding same-sex marriage.
Legislative leadership called for formation of the 11-member panel last year to address the long-standing call by gay and lesbian rights advocates for Vermont to move from civil unions for same-sex couples to full marriage rights.
When it passed its civil unions law in 2000, Vermont became the first jurisdiction in America to give legal recognition to same-sex couples.