From the Rutland Herald’s article, entitled Vt. panel considers same-sex nuptials: “With little fanfare or fireworks, a legislative commission charged with exploring the possibility of expanding marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples cautiously began its work Thursday morning….But despite the strong words there was little to suggest at the opening meeting of the historic commission that the issue of gay marriage would be as contentious as it was when the state passed civil union legislation in 2000. There were no “take back Vermont” signs and very few, if any, activists on either side of the issue to be seen. Most of those in attendance Thursday morning were members of the media.”