WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Pride Parade

Pride Parade

Burlington, Vermont - July 9, 2005

It may have rained on the parade Saturday, but the message was still loud and clear at this year's Gay Pride celebration in Burlington.

A soaking rain did not dampen spirits. Gay rights activists marched through Vermont's Queen City. The state's groundbreaking civil union law still fuels enthusiasm here. It extended marriage-like rights to same-sex couples under state law. But gay advocates say they're still subject to discrimination.

"Vermont led the country but more needs to be done to end discrimination and provide equal rights," said Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle.

Vermont will soon be sandwiched between two governments allowing gay marriage - Massachusetts, where's it's currently legal - and Canada, which will soon be the third country in the world to legalize it nationwide.

"When a couple decides to live together, spend lives together - that's to be honored as a true marriage," said Waterville resident Dave Ransom.

It's sparking renewed interest among the gay community and advocates in the Green Mountains.  Groups supporting gay marriage plan to approach the Vermont Legislature this January.

"Civil unions was a stop on that track and marriage will happen," said parade goer Burt Thompson.

Advocates say equal rights will not infringe on religious beliefs.

"When full equality is established it will be marriage and the thing to remember is it's a civil marriage. It's not a religious marriage, and no church should ever be forced to recognize gay unions if they choose not to," said Plattsburgh mayor Dan Stewart, who is openly gay.

The parade was smaller than in years past. Some say that's because activists have already made such great strides in Vermont.

Darren Perron - Channel 3 News