David Moats Civil Wars: A Battle for Gay Marriage

Civil Wars: A Battle for Gay Marriage

David Moats

Harcourt, Jan 2004, $24.00, 288 pp.

ISBN: 015101017X

This is a timely incredible look at the cold war fought over legalizing gay marriage in Vermont. In a state with a socialist in the Congress and the first state to outlaw slavery, Rutland Herald editor David Moats builds a historical account by answering his question: "How did such a thing happen in Vermont?" The background history leading up to the legislative decision to legally allow gay marriages is fascinating as strange bedfellows emerge. For instance, the State Supreme Court provided a confusing decision on the issue when it stated that banning gay marriage violated the Common Benefits Clause of the Vermont Constitution, but punted the issue to the legislature. Libertarians who prefer the government to stay out of the lives of the people joins the Conservatives supporting a ban. Then there is politician and then Governor Dean to add a bit of ironic spice to the account.

Though well written and fascinating slice of local history that impacts on a national scale, it is the everyday people commenting during a legislative public hearing that makes CIVIL WARS: A BATTLE FOR GAY MARRIAGE into a must read. The angst on those in loving relationships with same sex partners is unbelievable. Mr. Moats has written a tremendous account that profiles courage as showcased by Ms. Underwood's short but passionate plea (less than 1% of the book) that will move even a homophobic Neanderthal. Mr. Moats celebrates American democracy at its best with no psychological profiling, pollsters making policy of don't ask-don't tell, or spin doctors providing bushels of pap. Instead this is candor grassroots everyday people in action.

Harriet Klausner