PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Contact: Thuy Nguyen (802) 828-2148
June 22, 2000

Secretary of State Publishes Guide to Civil Unions

Publication Seeks to Educate Communities About the Eligibility Criteria for Civil Unions

Montpelier. Secretary of State Deborah Markowitz today announced the publication of a new guide designed to assist clerks, justices of the peace and interested individuals in understanding Vermont's new Civil Union law. Vermont's Civil Union law which permits eligible couples of the same sex to be joined in civil union will go into effect on July 1^st, 2000.

According to Secretary Markowitz, "The Civil Union legislation requires this office to prepare a guide to help explain how the Civil Union law works and the benefits, protections, and responsibilities that civil unions provide." The guide offers a complete step by step process on how to obtain a civil union and a list of officials who can certify a civil union. More importantly, the guide also addresses the legal consequences of a civil union.

Copies of the civil union guide will be sent to Vermont's Town Clerks and Justices of the Peace. If you wish to order a copy of The Vermont Guide to Civil Unions, please contact Secretary of State's Office at
802-828-2363 or your town clerk's office. The Guide is currently available through the Secretary of State's website at http://www.sec.state.vt.us.