Democracy Now!: Vermont recognizes gay marriage, first state to do so through legislative action (with audio and video)

Democracy Now! with audio and video:

The Vermont legislature made history Tuesday by becoming the first in the nation to vote in favor of gay marriage. Vermont lawmakers had voted for a same-sex marriage bill last week but it was short of a veto-overriding majority and Governor Jim Douglas vetoed the bill Monday. But on Tuesday enough house members switched sides to override the veto and voted 100 to 49 to make gay marriage legal. House Speaker Shap Smith announced the final tally to resounding applause.

Vermont is now the fourth state in the country to recognize gay marriage. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and as of last week, Iowa, achieved this through court rulings and Vermont is the first to do so through legislative action. In 2000, Vermont was the first state to adopt civil unions for same-sex couples.

The Vermont legislature made history Tuesday by becoming the first in the nation to vote in favor of gay marriage. Vermont lawmakers had voted for a same-sex marriage bill last week but it was short of a veto-overriding majority and Governor Jim Douglas vetoed the bill Monday. But on Tuesday enough house members switched sides to override the veto and voted 100 to 49 to make gay marriage legal. House Speaker Shap Smith announced the final tally to resounding applause.

Vermont is now the fourth state in the country to recognize gay marriage. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and as of last week, Iowa, achieved this through court rulings and Vermont is the first to do so through legislative action.

In 2000, Vermont was the first state to adopt civil unions for same-sex couples.

I’m joined now by two guests in Burlington, Vermont. Beth Robinson is a lawyer and board chair of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force and Action Committee.

Bill Lippert is a Vermont state legislator, the chair of Vermont House Judiciary committee, and a longtime gay rights activist.

They’ve been at the forefront of the struggle to legalize gay marriage in Vermont.

Beth Robinson, Lawyer and board chair of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force and Action Committee.

Rep. Bill Lippert, Vermont state legislator, chair of Vermont House Judiciary committee, and longtime gay rights activist.