In a new memoir to be released this
week, former Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas discusses vetoing a gay
marriage bill approved by lawmakers in 2009.
In The Vermont Way: A Republican
Governor Leads America's Most Liberal State, Douglas, 63, says he
acted on his conscience when presented with the marriage bill.
Douglas wrote that he had no objections
to gay couples, then added: “I believe, however, that the
institution of marriage is worth preserving in its traditional form.”
Last week, Douglas, nearly 4 years
removed from the Pavilion, declined to say how he would act today if
faced with the same decision.
“Initially, I thought I wouldn't
write about that at all, but then I thought people would say, 'He's
running away from that,'” he said.
Lawmakers quickly moved to override
Douglas' veto and Vermont – the first state to recognize gay
couples with civil unions in 2000 – enacted the marriage law.