After Veto Override, Marriage Equality in Vermont

Vermont just became the first state to recognize same sex marriage through the legislative process.

Associated Press:

...The House recorded a dramatic 100-49 vote — the minimum needed — to override Gov. Jim Douglas' veto. Its vote followed a much easier override vote in the Senate, which rebuffed the Republican governor with a vote of 23-5.

Vermont was the first state to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples and joins Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa in giving gays the right to marry. Their approval of gay marriage came from the courts.

Douglas's reasoning for the veto was... well... stupid. According to the report, "Douglas issued a veto message saying the bill would not improve the lot of gay and lesbian couples because it still would not provide them rights under federal and other states' laws."

So what? This is like saying it'd be pointless to abolish slavery in one state, because other states and the feds wouldn't recognize an emancipated slave's rights. That other states are stupid and backward is a pretty lousy reason for your state to remain stupid and backward.

Congrats Vermont. Save me some cake.