In 2000 Vermont became the first state to grant gay and lesbian couples the right to join in civil unions-a groundbreaking decision that has inspired similar legislation in six states thus far. But it was not an easy victory; the ruling sparked the fiercest political conflict in the state's memory. David Moats was in the thick of it, writing a series of balanced, humane editorials that earned a Pulitzer Prize. Now he tells the intimate stories behind the battle and introduces us to all the key actors in the struggle, including the couples who first filed suit; the lawyers who spent years championing the case; and the only openly gay legislator in Vermont, who ensured victory with an impassioned, deeply personal speech on the House floor at a crucial moment.

Civil Wars is a remarkable drama of democracy at work on a human scale.

The Washington Post

Civil Wars, by David Moats, the editorial page editor of the Rutland Herald, recounts the "political, social, and cultural war" that took place in Vermont during 2000. Moats won a Pulitzer Prize for his editorials on the issue, and Civil Wars tells a compelling, emotionally moving story. Moats viewed the Vermont conflict as "the latest tumultuous chapter in a decades-long struggle for civil rights in America," and he compares it to "Birmingham and Selma as landmarks of our growth toward a more complete democracy." Just as in Alabama four decades ago, Moats stresses, hateful behavior by civil rights opponents proved decisive in "touching the conscience" of Vermonters who did not start out as gay rights supporters. —

Equality is the message...
Joseph T. Amodeo 05/10/2008

Moats provides us with perhaps one of the best researched and prepared texts on the topics of gay marriage. His thoughtful phrasing and intellectual basis provides the reader with a solid basis for understanding the topic. His book reads at the pace of a thriller, and I honestly had a difficult time putting the book down. Excellent reference material for college courses on civil rights as well.

Makes for fascinating reading
01/05/2006

This is a timely incredible look at the cold war fought over legalizing gay marriage in Vermont. In a state with a socialist in the Congress and the first state to outlaw slavery, Rutland Herald editor David Moats builds a historical account by answering his question: 'How did such a thing happen in Vermont?' The background history leading up to the legislative decision to legally allow gay marriages is fascinating as strange bedfellows emerge. For instance, the State Supreme Court provided a confusing decision on the issue when it stated that banning gay marriage violated the Common Benefits Clause of the Vermont Constitution, but punted the issue to the legislature. Libertarians who prefer the government to stay out of the lives of the people joins the Conservatives supporting a ban. Then there is politician and then Governor Dean to add a bit of ironic spice to the account.......................... Though well written and fascinating slice of local history that impacts on a national scale, it is the everyday people commenting during a legislative public hearing that makes CIVIL WARS: A BATTLE FOR GAY MARRIAGE into a must read. The angst on those in loving relationships with same sex partners is unbelievable. Mr. Moats has written a tremendous account that profiles courage as showcased by Ms. Underwood’s short but passionate plea (less than 1% of the book) that will move even a homophobic Neanderthal. Mr. Moats celebrates American democracy at its best with no psychological profiling, pollsters making policy of don’t ask-don’t tell, or spin doctors providing bushels of pap. Instead this is candor grassroots everyday people in action...................... Harriet Klausner