Vermont Legislature Overrides Veto, Same Sex Marriage Now Legal

In a dramatic showdown between the executive and legislative branches, Vermont becomes the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage and the first to do so with a legislature's vote.

This morning the Democratic-controlled House and Senate overrode Republican Governor Jim Douglas' veto of a marriage bill. The vote was 23-5 to override in the state Senate. It then moved to the House, which voted 100-49, which was the exact number needed to override the veto. Under Vermont law, two-thirds of each chamber had to vote for override.

While the broad support in the Senate was predicted, the House vote came down to the wire. Tuesday morning, Democratic leaders said the vote could come down to a single vote, and they were right.

The vote comes nine years after Vermont became  the first state in the country to legalize civil unions in 2000. The marriage law will amend the civil unions law to allow marriage of same-sex partners beginning September 1. Civil unions would still be recognized but no longer granted after Sept. 1.

Vermont now joins Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa with legalized gay marriage.  Marriage equality bills are also being considered in Maine and New Hampshire.

This has been a great day for democracy.

Comments

[Nathan James]

As per numerous sources, Vermont's legislature has overridden Gov. Douglas' veto of gay marriage. Vermont now joins Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa, as the FOURTH US state to have same-sex marriage. Vermont, YES!!!

[Mad Professah]

The bill goes into efefct September 1.

100-49 in the House.
23-5 in the Senate.

The first legislature to adopt marriage equality has to do it by veto override.

I wonder if Chief Justice Ronald George now understands what side of history he wants to be on?

[Ravenback]

Great news. It's time that politicians stand for something other than hate, intolerance, and bigotry.

[Curry]

This is wonderful news. After Iowa and now Vermont, it is becoming more obvious that marriage equality is not fringe. It is becoming the logical next step.

[Lizzy]

Fantastic! Congratulations Vermont!

[FREELEO]

That's how you do it!!!

[D.bARR]

Wooooohoooooo!

[Lukas]

Thanks, RM, as usual being one of the first to break the news...

Very impressive... Let's hope it sticks and more states will follow. Makes me kind of sad, though, that California (where SF, gay capital of the U.S. is), failed so miserably.

[Rod Mc]

Lukas, thanks for the comments and kind words. But I was actually a little late on reporting the news, was stuck on a conference call. But you're absolutely right, the Iowa and Vermont victories make California seem very bittersweet. -RM

[Reggie H]

Vermont gets gay marriage and Gov Douglass gets to keep his conservative street cred with his veto (which those 'darned liberals' overrode). Looks like a win-win...which state is next?