Montpelier, Vermont - March 31, 2009
A bill allowing same-sex couples to marry took another step forward in the Vermont Legislature Tuesday.
The House Judiciary Committee voted 8-2 in favor of the bill.
It's now scheduled to be debated on the House floor Thursday and Friday.
Supporters say there are enough votes to pass the bill in the House but they are not sure if there will be enough votes to override a promised veto by Gov. Jim Douglas, R-Vermont.
"It's clear that there are very strong feelings that have been raised as a result of the governor's statement that he will veto the bill. We will go to the floor and have a full debate and I anticipate there to be a very strong vote in favor of this bill. Whether it will reach the threshold for a veto override, I can't say at this point," said Rep. Bill Lippert, D-Hinesburg.
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http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10104277Not as strong as the unanimous Senate J committee vote, but damned good. I'm hopeful that Douglas' veto threat will actually galvinize dems in the House and that they'll have the numbers to override.