November 20, 2008 Lawmaker threatened for same-sex marriage plan Play video

(Anya Huneke, NECN: Montpelier, VT) - With less than two months until Vermont’s legislature reconvenes, Lawmakers are charting their paths, and one senator's plans to introduce a same-sex marriage bill are already generating strong opposition-- even a threat yesterday on his home.

Making the rounds at the Vermont state house in Montpelier .. Officer Dale Manning picked up a ringing phone Wednesday.

It was an angry caller from St. Albans.

Dale Manning "She was saying it was disgusting..."

The woman - who didn't give her name - was reacting to news that Windsor County Senator John Campbell would be introducing legislation in the upcoming session that would legalize same-sex marriage.

Dale "She said she'd like to blow his house up.”

Manning says police do not take threats like this lightly... And are investigating. Sen. Campbell, meanwhile, says it's disturbing- someone has crossed the line in this way.

Sen John "This wasn't directed just at me, but at my family, which is quite unfortunate."

Campbell says he's bothered but not swayed...

Sen "I'm not one who takes well to threats."

He is convinced same sax marriage is the right thing for Vermont... And that civil unions - which were enacted eight years ago - do not offer equality to homosexual couples.

Sen "It's about couples not being treated equally around the state."

Sen. Campbell has introduced this legislation

before... but that didn't get very far. It did, however, lead to the creation of the Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection- which held hearings across the state... and concluded that civil unions don't do as much for couples as marriage would."

Beth Robinson "So the issue is teed up, the heavy lifting has been done- and we know Vermonters are overwhelmingly in favor of the freedom to marry- and it's time to move forward."

Attorney Beth Robinson - who argued the case that led to civil unions in Vermont - feels the state is in a better position now to move forward with the legislation.

Craig "I think it's a waste of time and attention."

But Craig Bensen - president of 'take it to the people', which opposes same sex marriage - says his and other groups are poised to fight it...

Craig Bensen "So far, Vermonters have never had a chance to vote on this issue."

Gov. Jim Douglas, too, has voiced his opposition...

Gov "I am concerned the divisiveness of this issue might consume our attention..."

...But has not said whether he'll veto the measure if it reaches his desk... ...Which Sen. Campbell believes it will...