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Vermont lawmakers are starting a week of hearings on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.

In 2000, Vermont became the first state in the U.S. to adopt civil unions. House and Senate leaders want to pass the gay marriage bill this legislative session, which ends in May.

Supporters say gay marriage would give couples additional rights, such as for insurance purposes and in health care decisions. It also would allow surviving spouses to obtain Social Security benefits.

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing testimony about equality issues, other states’ experiences and the conclusions of a study on the matter. More hearings are scheduled for later in the week.

http://www.365gay.com/news/vermont-begi ... -hearings/

A state Senate committee unanimously approved a gay marriage bill on Friday, moving Vermont one step closer to allowing same-sex couples to legally wed.

"It provides ... gay and lesbian couples the same rights that I have as a married heterosexual," said Sen. John Campbell, vice chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and chief sponsor of the bill.

The committee's vote ended an intense week highlighted by a public hearing Wednesday night in which more than 500 people swarmed the Statehouse to speak for and against allowing same-sex marriages.

If approved, Vermont would join Massachusetts and Connecticut as the only U.S. states that allow gays and lesbians to marry.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/03/ ... 9937.shtml

I heard the VT governor will probably veto it. Are there enough votes for an override?

Ivytalk wrote:I heard the VT governor will probably veto it. Are there enough votes for an override?

Probably. Good chance he will not sign it, but not veto it.

dbackjon wrote:

Ivytalk wrote:I heard the VT governor will probably veto it. Are there enough votes for an override?

Probably. Good chance he will not sign it, but not veto it.

Ah, gotta love those pocket vetos....


gutless bastard.

NECN/WPTZ: Montpelier, VT) - A bill that would add Vermont to the list of states legalizing gay marriage went before the State Senate today. The measure would replace Vermont's first in the nation civil unions law.

Late this afternoon, the Senate voted 26-4 to advance the same-sex marriage equality bill on to the House of Representatives. The House will begin its consideration of the bill tomorrow. The big question is whether or not Governor Jim Douglas will veto the bill.

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/ ... 45305.html

26-4 would seem sufficient to override any veto

The New Hampshire House could as soon as this week pass a bill legalizing same sex marriage.

dbackjon wrote:NECN/WPTZ: Montpelier, VT) - A bill that would add Vermont to the list of states legalizing gay marriage went before the State Senate today. The measure would replace Vermont's first in the nation civil unions law.

Late this afternoon, the Senate voted 26-4 to advance the same-sex marriage equality bill on to the House of Representatives. The House will begin its consideration of the bill tomorrow. The big question is whether or not Governor Jim Douglas will veto the bill.

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/ ... 45305.html

26-4 would seem sufficient to override any veto

ya I believe that would be about 87% easily passing either 2/3 or 3/4 override laws.

Douglas to Veto Gay Marriage Bill
There could be a major roadblock for the gay marriage bill in Montpelier. Gov. Jim Douglas said he will veto the bill if it makes it to his desk.

The governor told reporters he doesn't typically announce his intentions like this so far ahead of time, but said he thinks it's the only way to stop speculation about what his move may be, to refocus lawmakers' attention on the state budget.

"I'm announcing I will veto this legislation when it reaches my desk," Douglas said.

Explaining same-sex marriage is a deeply personal issue that crosses political lines, Vermont's Republican governor said he will not sign a bill into law allowing gays and lesbians to marry.

"I believe marriage has always been and ought to remain the union of a man and a woman," Douglas said. "I believe the civil unions law has offered equal rights and benefits under state law to same-sex couples and that should suffice."

"I see this as the civil rights movement of our generation. And I don't want to leave Governor Douglas behind," said Beth Robinson, of the Vt. Freedom to Marry Task Force.

Democratic leaders called the governor's announcement an insult to the political process.

"We haven't even passed the bill. We shouldn't even talk about whether we will override it yet," said Rep. Shap Smith, D-Vt. House Speaker.





WHAT A FUCKING ASS

"Senator Birkenstock? Aye.

Senator Champie? Aye.

Senator Skinflint? Nay.

Senator Pithair? Aye.

Senator Guernsey? MOOO!"

"Senator Maidenform? Aye.

Senator Blutarski? SENATOR BLUTARSKI?? Pass.

Senator Icefish? Aye.

Senator Ben? Rocky Road.

Senator Jerry? Cherry Garcia.

Senator Titeazz? Nay."

LMAO at IT