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Vermont Senate approves same-sex marriage bill

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] The Vermont State Senate voted 26-4 Monday to approve same-sex marriage in the state. This was the second of three readings of the proposed bill, entitled "An Act to Protect Religious Freedom and Promote Equality in Civil Marriage." Senator Kevin Mullin (R) brought an alternative motion for an advisory referendum to take place in the March 2010 elections asking the general public whether "the General Assembly amend the laws of the state to allow couples of the same sex to marry?" before taking legislative action. Mullin's motion was not sustained and the proposed bill is now due for a third reading on Tuesday, after which it is expected to pass in the Senate and be introduced to the House of Representatives. Earlier this month, Vermont Governor Jim Douglas (R) said that he opposes legalizing same-sex marriage, but it is unclear whether he would veto the bill. The Vermont Senate began hearings on the bill last week. If the proposed legislation passes, Vermont would join Massachusetts and Connecticut in extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. In California, the state Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Proposition 8 earlier this month, and a ruling is expected by early May. The passage of Proposition 8 last November amended the California constitution to define marriage to be between a man and a woman, overturning a ruling by the California Supreme Court which permitted the marriage of same-sex couple.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on March 24, 2009 (boomark / email).