Hi Everyone, You all should know that today the Supreme Court issued its ruling in the same sex marriage case. I have not yet digested the case completely but, in sum, the court ruled that "the state is constitutionally required to extend to same sex couples the common benefits and protections that flow from marriage under Vermont law." The case leaves it to the legislature to determine whether this ultimately takes the form of inclusion within the marriage laws themselves or a parallel 'domestic partnership' system or some equivalent statutory alternative. The court suspended its judgment to allow the legislature to consider and enact legislation consistent with the decision. This means that until the legislature acts the existing marriage law remains in full force and effect. Feel free to call if you have questions. (828-2148) Deb Markowitz