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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release December 20, 1999

STATEMENT BY THE VICE PRESIDENT

I applaud the non-discrimination and equality principles inherent in Vermont's State Supreme Court ruling this morning that same-sex couples must be given the same benefits and protections as different-sex couples. The court's decision rests upon the "constitutional imperative to afford all Vermonters the common benefit, protection, and security of the law."

I am not for changing the institute of marriage as we have traditionally understood it. But I am for legal protections for domestic partnerships.

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