Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Legal News Blogs -> JURIST - The Paper Chase

OR PHONE (866) 635-1838 for Bankruptcy Help, (866) 635-6190 for Divorce,
(866) 635-2689 for Personal Injury or (866) 635-9402 for Criminal Defense

Find a Local Lawyer

Bankruptcy (866) 635-1838
Divorce (866) 635-6190
Personal Injury (866) 635-2689
Criminal Defense (866) 635-9402

Legal News

: JURIST - The Paper Chase

Vermont House approves same-sex marriage bill

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

ADVERTISEMENTS

[JURIST] The Vermont House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill approving same-sex marriage. The bill, aimed at "promot legal equality in the civil marriage laws and ... protect the religious freedom of clergy and religious societies authorized to solemnize civil marriages," was approved by a margin of 95-52, which falls short of the two-thirds majority needed to override an expected veto from Governor Jim Douglas (R). According to Vermont Freedom to Marry, the approval followed a five hour debate in front of numerous supporters. The bill must be voted on again by the House for final approval, but is expected to pass. The Vermont State Senate approved the bill last week by a vote of 26-4. If the proposed legislation passes, Vermont would join Massachusetts and Connecticut in extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. Previously, Vermont became the first state to offer civil unions to same-sex couples when then-Governor Howard Dean signed H.B.847 into law in April 2000.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on April 03, 2009 (boomark / email).