News :: GLBT
Vermont Senate passes marriage equality bill by Lisa Keen
contributing writerMonday Mar 23, 2009 Montpelier, Vermont, March 23 -- The Vermont Senate today voted 26 to 4 to pass a bill to allow gay couples to obtain marriage licenses.
The bill is expected to get a favorable vote in the state House next week, but the uncertain factor is whether Republican Gov. Jim Douglas, will veto the measure or allow it to pass into law without his signature.
Today’s debate lasted just over an hour and was marked by considerable decorum. But behind the scenes, there was also considerable drama. The son of Republican state Sen. Kevin Mullin came out as gay in a Vermont daily newspaper today, and it was Mullin who offered an amendment to put off the vote on the bill and, instead, put the issue before voters. That amendment was struck down 11 to 19, and Mullin ultimately spoke in favor of and voted for the bill.
The 30-member Senate’s one black senator, Randy Brock, was one of only four senators who voted against the bill, saying that he, "like President Obama," believes marriage is between one man and one woman.
Attorneys Beth Robinson and Susan Murray, who led the historic court case which initially led the Vermont legislature to adopt civil unions, were, naturally, very pleased with today’s vote.
"I’m overwhelmed," said Murray, following the vote, "and I think the 26 to 4 vote sends a very powerful message."
That message, activists hope, will be heard in the House of Representatives, which takes up the measure in committee tomorrow. The full House is expected to vote next Thursday or Friday. The question, however, is whether the margin in the House can provide veto-proofing for the measure.
State Rep. Bill Lippert, an openly gay lawmaker and a key leader on the civil legislation in 2000 and now, said he, too believes the Senate’s margin gives him confidence in the strength of the House support.
Robinson said she’s cautiously optimistic that the legislature is poised to make Vermont the fourth state in the nation to approve equal marriage rights for gays.
"My biggest fear," she said, "is of complacency or celebrating too early."
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