According to the New York Times, this law would be "the most sweeping set of rights for same-sex couples in the country." The bill is expected to easily pass in the Senate next month, and Gov. Howard Dean has promised to sign it.

Couples will be able to apply for a license from a town clerk and receive a certificate of union that guarantees the same rights as spouses on questions of child custody, workers' compensation, family leave benefits, among others.

"The state," the bill said, "has a strong interest in promoting stable and lasting families, including families based upon a same-sex couple."

The bill comes in the wake of a Vermont Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples deserve all the same rights as heterosexual spouses. The lawmakers, however, sought to limit the extent of the proposed legislation. The bill draws a distinction between same-sex unions and marriage. In fact, it specifically states that marriage could only be between a man and a woman.

Supporters of the bill said that they do not expect other states to recognize the legal status of Vermont's civil unions.  
 
 
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