A Vermont legislative commission tasked with looking into redefining marriage in the state to include homosexuals met for the first time on Thursday.
The Rutland Herald reported that the meeting largely dealt with preliminary issues, such as the format of public hearings.
Tom Little, the Republican who is chairing the euphemistically named Commission on Family Recognition and Protection, oversaw the writing of the state's civil-union law seven years ago.
Meanwhile, same-sex marriage opponents announced at the Statehouse that they will be boycotting the commission's future public hearings because they believe the members have already decided to endorse gay marriage.
Stephen Cable, president of Vermont Renewal, said the commission has already decided in favor of gay marriage.
"As a result of their actions and refusal to address the issues we have raised," Cable said, "we are asking Vermonters to boycott the hearings and pay no attention to the report."
Craig Benson, founder of marriage-protection group Take It to the People, said the people should be allowed to vote on marriage.
"This political farce is a waste of taxpayer's time, attention and tax money," he said. "This is the left having a dialogue with the far left while everyone else is left out."
