Vermont Senate Votes to Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

The Vermont Senate held a special session and vote Monday on legalizing same-sex marriage. Vermont passed the bill 26 in favor, 4 opposed. 

On Friday, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to advance the Vermont bill for civil marriage (S. 115). This bill legalizes same-sex couples to marry in Vermont. Also, as part of the proposed bill, the civil unions that Vermont currently allows will still stand, but will no longer be offered, as marriages begin September 1, 2009.

Opponents claim the traditional definition of marriage as one man and one woman needs to be preserved. According to Governor Jim Douglas, now the legislature should be focusing on the economy, and not considering same-sex marriage. 

The senate met at 3:00 pm, with other proposed bills discussed first. Senator John Campbell spoke first. He touched on the major points (pro and con) that were raised during the public forum, and gave a very organized and moving argument. 

Following Sen. Campbell, Sen. Kevin Mullin, R-Rutland, who voted yes in committee, also proposed an amendment last week in Judiciary for a public referendum, for next March, on this bill. It was defeated, 4-1. While voting yes in committee, Mullin wanted to gauge public opinion in a statewide vote on Town Meeting Day. Sen. Dick Sears followed explaining why a referendum would not likely go anywhere. He also mentioned California's Proposition 8 as a comparison.

The vote for public referendum was conducted by a call of the roll. The result was 11- yes, 19- no. The referendum was not adopted in that vote. The full Senate, of 30 members, took a preliminary vote today, the 2nd reading. They vote again tomorrow for the third reading. Two-thirds of each House is required to override the Governor's veto. There are 30 senators and 150 members in the House of Representatives. 

Roll call was requested, with 26 yes, 4 no, for S. 115

It goes to the full House, where it is expected to pass, although supporters do not believe they have enough votes to override a veto, if Douglas where to veto it. Gov. Douglas has let bills become law without his signature.