The heartwrenching personal testimony of gay and lesbian legislators and allies was not enough to sway enough votes to stave off a veto by Republican Governor Jim Douglas. The bill passed 95-52.
Vermont's House of Representatives gave preliminary approval tonight to a historic same-sex marriage bill, setting up a showdown with Gov. Jim Douglas.
After nearly four hours of passionate debate from supporters and opponents of the measure, the House approved the bill shortly after 9 p.m. The legislation, S.115, gives same-sex couples the right to marry in Vermont.
The bill will be brought up again Friday for final approval, then return to the Senate, where changes to language must be approved. Should the Senate OK those changes, the bill will head to Douglas' desk and a promised veto.
A veto override is still possible, of course, but the bill's supporters need 99 votes -- can they find five minds to change?
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