Opponents of the Vermont initiative and of gay marriage in general said they were disturbed by the legislature's disregard of social norms.
But the nominal distinction between gay marriage and civil unions has also blurred the traditional lines of contention over gay rights.
"It's not gay marriage, but it's awfully close," said Catholic Student Association President Matthew S. Vogel '01. "I'm torn."
Ross G. Douthat '02, an editor of the Salient, a conservative magazine, disagreed with the measure.
"It degrades the institution of marriage," Ross said. "Homosexual and heterosexual unions should not be placed on the same level."
On the heels of the Vermont court decision in December which precipitated last week's bill, conservatives said the state had propagated its own political agenda in conferring legitimacy to behavior that a majority of Americans find to be immoral.
Some worry that the institution of the family will be undermined.
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