Moments ago, Vermont Governor Jim Douglas (R) vetoed legislation passed by both houses of the state legislature to grant marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples.
HRC came out in strong opposition to today’s veto of the bill, S. 115. The legislation passed the Vermont State Senate by a vote of 26 to 4 and the Vermont State House of Representatives by a vote of 95 to 52. Shortly after the House and Senate versions of the bill were reconciled today, Governor Douglas fulfilled his threat to veto the legislation, sending it back to the Vermont legislature for an override vote which is expected to take place soon.
Two-thirds of legislators present in each chamber would be required to vote in favor of overriding the Governor’s veto. If the legislature overrides Gov. Douglas’ veto, Vermont will become the first state to provide marriage equality for committed lesbian and gay couples through the legislative process. (California’s legislature has twice passed similar legislation that was vetoed and not enacted into law).
Statement by Joe Solmonese:
This move by Governor Douglas does nothing but deny basic human rights to lesbian and gay couples who live in the State of Vermont. We ask all fair-minded residents of Vermont to call their legislators immediately and urge them to stand up for equality by overriding Governor Douglas’ veto of marriage equality legislation. HRC calls on the Vermont legislature to ensure that all loving and committed couples are afforded the basic right to marry.
The Human Rights Campaign's perspective on the news, issues and events affecting the every day lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the country.
![HRC-BACKSTORY [BLOG]](http://174.121.110.138/~hrcorg/hrcbackstory/images/logo/hrc-backstory.jpg){kind=logo}
