By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-995309.mp3
Montpelier, VT – 46-year-old Beth Robinson was one of the lawyers who represented three couples in a landmark 1999 case before the Vermont Supreme Court whose decision forced the Legislature to craft the first-in-the-nation civil union law offering marriage-like rights and benefits to same-sex couples. She then led Vermont Freedom to Marry, which won passage of the first gay-marriage law in the country that wasn't directly prompted by a court decision. Robinson says her appointment to the court is humbling.
While Robinson was a lawyer at one of Vermont's largest law firms, she is best known for her work regarding equal marriage rights.
Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force Chair Sheryl Rapee-Adams says they are thrilled to see Beth Robinson elevated to the state's highest court.
Sherry Carbin worked with Robinson to attain the state's same sex equality laws. She says Beth Robinson, while known for that work, has much more experience than most people realize.
Governor Peter Shumlin says Beth Robinson has the finest legal mind he has ever encountered.
Middlebury College Professor Emeritus of Political Science Eric Davis.
Governor Peter Shumlin administered the oath to Beth Robinson on Monday afternoon at the state Supreme Court in Montpelier.