The latest on the fight for same-sex marriage in Vermont, where two nights ago the Senate overwhelmingly voted to legalize marriage equality. This afternoon the state's Republican governor promised to veto the same-sex marriage legislation if it passes the House, as expected.
WCAX-TV reports, "Governor [Jim] Douglas has said that he opposes the bill, and this afternoon he announced he plans to veto it. He said he made the announcement to stop speculation and to focus attention on economy." The Associated Press adds Douglas says "lawmakers shouldn't have spent their time on the bill this session because of the economy and the state's budget deficit."
Didn't realize legislators weren't allowed to multi-task.
The marriage equality bill is expected to pass the Democrat-controlled Vermont House. But will it be a veto-proof majority? Timothy Kincaid at Box Turtle Bulletin says it could happen if all the Democrats and Progressive Party members support the bill "they will have over two-thirds without requiring any support from Republicans or Independants." Stay tuned ...
A big B.S. to the Gov: a veto will only inflame and extend this process, Governor, so your argument is specious.
So much for democracy, Governor Douglas.
Posted by: Andy Niable | 25 March 2009 at 15:35
What does marriage bill have to do with economy? Yes, the governor should put his efforts into economy than to waste time making up excuses to oppose a no-brainer civil rights bill.
Posted by: Lukas | 25 March 2009 at 16:18
Well this is one way to drag out the process. I am hopeful the House will be able to override his veto.
Posted by: Sean B | 25 March 2009 at 21:22
This is PR for Douglas, so he can say he's against it. He knows that the Dems will have enough votes to override the veto. I'm not so sure he would have vetoed it otherwise, to be honest.
Vermont is a much more conservative state than some of you think. MUCH more.
Posted by: Patterson | 25 March 2009 at 22:20
BTW, blame Vermont for voting Jim Douglas to another term as its governor. This state had no problem going for Barack Obama in the presidency and Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, and then Vt. goes for Douglas.
Posted by: Patterson | 25 March 2009 at 22:22
No offense, Patterson, but VT is not, by any means as conservative as you seem to think. The only area that could be considered as such is the North-East kingdom and that's it.
I personally like Gov. Douglas. I've voted for him and believed that I would again, but after this and his opposition to placing wind turbines throughout the state, I'm afraid I may have to rethink my positions. There is still a chance I will still support him, though, as I appreciate having a bit of contrast in the state government.
Posted by: Nick | 26 March 2009 at 19:53