Reference no: EM132350061

Question:

Three same-sex couples who are residents of Vermont have lived together in committed relationships for a period. Two of the couples have raised children together. All three couples applied for marriage licenses and were refused a license on the ground that they were ineligible under the state marriage laws. Plaintiffs sought a declaratory judgment that the refusal to issue them a license violated the marriage statutes and the Vermont constitution. They argued that it violated the Common Benefits Clause of the Vermont constitution, which provides "[ that government is, or ought to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community, and not for the particular emolument or advantage of a single person, family, or set of persons, who are part of that community... ." They argued that in not having access to a civil marriage license, they are denied many legal benefits and protections, including coverage under a spouse's medical, life, and disability insurance; hospital visitation and other medical decision-making privileges; and spousal support. Argue whether Vermont's marriage license law violates the same-sex couples' rights under the Vermont constitution. Which school of jurisprudence would you apply in your reasoning?