Same Sex Marriage Passes in Vermont House

Yesterday, the Vermont House advanced a measure that would allow same-sex couples to marry in the state.

Rep. Jason Lorber, (D-Burlington) spoke before the house telling how it was demeaning to see his and his partner’s civil union announcement in the newspaper in a “civil union” category, a separate category from marriage announcements.

“Why do we have to differentiate?” Lorber asked. “Why do we have to say you are different? Why can’t we just say ‘Congratulations’” when same-sex couples wed.

After a full day of debate over the issue, the House gave the bill preliminary approval on a 95-52 roll call vote. The margin of approval is less than the two-thirds majority that would be required to override the Republican Governor’s (Jim Douglas) vowed veto of the measure. Prior to House vote, the Senate passed the bill 26-4, which would make a veto override likely in the Senate.

One opponent to marriage equality, Rep. Albert “Sonny” Audette, blamed his opposition to marriage equality on his church. Audette stated:

“I am a devout Catholic. My religion at this point would not want me to vote for this. I wish that I could and I hope for the best and I congratulate the people who are trying to get this through.”