Vermont, swiftly on the heels of Iowa, now becomes the 4th state to give gays and lesbians the civil right to marry.
Following tense and emotional proceedings on the legislative floor, the Vermont house voted, 100-49, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday to override Governor Jim Douglas’ veto of same-sex marriage legislation. After an earlier morning vote by the senate, 23-5, to override the veto, the house vote makes Vermont the first state to recognize marriage equality through the legislative process.
The outcome of the highly anticipated house vote remained uncertain until it occurred. In the end, the 100 votes generated was precisely the number needed to meet the 2/3 majority requirement for the veto override.
This is a huge win for our civil rights because it is the first time a state legislature has acted to make marriage legal for gays and lesbians. Although our victories in the courts are every bit as legitimate, the right wing has always used the cry of “activist judges” to blunt our progression towards full equality. How will they spin this one I wonder?
Looks like there should be some beautiful fall weddings in Vermont this year. Gay marriage becomes officially legal September 1.
Posted by garychapelhill 
