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Vermont Loses Two Who Supported Marriage Equality

12/27/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
In 2000, Richard Hube voted against Civil Unions. In 2009, he voted for marriage equality. Hube passed away suddenly last Monday. The Republican who had represented the towns of Stratton, Winhall, Londonderry, Weston and Jamaica for a decade was visiting his sister in Florida when he took ill suddenly. He was out walking when he felt a sharp pain in his leg and called his sister to pick him up. He was taken to the hospital by an ambulance called by his brother-in-law. He died in hospital. Funeral arrangements are being made, and the ceremony will be held in January. Due to the nature of the Vermont winters, it is possible that internment will not occur until early spring.

Hube spent the intervening nine years between the vote against Civil Unions and Marriage Equality thinking about what the vote meant for his commitment to civil liberties. In 2009, he got the chance to take a courageous step and reverse his vote. Instead of doing what people expected and voting against marriage equality, Hube voted for it. He became one of the Republicans to vote in favor of the legislation and the override.

“Vermont has lost a great legislator, and so many Vermonters have lost a true friend. Rick had a sharp wit, a deep intelligence and a wonderful sense of humor. He was a legislator who built bridges, who worked with those of every viewpoint to improve the state he loved so much. Above all, he was a man of deep principle. All of us who knew Rick were the better for it,” US Representative Peter Welsh said in a statement released to the public.

Richard Hube is not the first Vermont legislator to pass away this year. Two days prior, Representative Ira Trombley passed away after a long run of ill health. Trombley represented Grand Isle-Chittenden since 2002. He voted for marriage equality and again for the veto override. Rep. Trombley was seriously ill through much of the last session, but chose to come in for the vital votes which put the marriage bill over the edge into law.

Both men will be missed.

Governor Douglas will appoint someone to replace them until the general election in 2010.