Vermont Senate Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

A bill that would add Vermont to the list of states legalizing gay marriage went before the State Senate Monday. The Vermont Senate voted 26-4 in favor of the same-sex marriage bill.

The bill will have third reading and vote Tuesday. All bills have three readings. It is designed for people to reconsider or amend an item, but it unlikely that a vote would change on a third reading. A similar measure begins moving through the House on Tuesday with testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. A full vote on that measure wouldn't come before next week.

Several senators made impassioned speeches on the floor in favor of and against the bill.

"We're not condoning homosexuality," Sen. John Campbell, D-Windsor, told the Senate just before the vote. "What we're doing is recognizing that some people are homosexuals."

Sen. Kevin Mullin, R-Rutland, who tried unsuccessfully to put the issue to a public referendum, said he believed a referendum would pass among Vermonters. "I fervently believe the people of this state are ready for this action," he said.

Sen. Randy Brock, R-Franklin, spoke out against the bill. He said he believes civil unions afford same-sex couples all the rights of marriage, that the majority of his constituents oppose same-sex marriage and that the legislation was too hastily passed.

"We have denied Vermonters the full opportunity to express their opinions," Brock said.

Vermont was the first state to adopt civil unions law.

In related gay news: Gay bars around the country are banning straight women from hosting their bachelorette parties in their establishments, mostly because the gay patrons were complaining. Some feel the women were "flaunting" their right to marry; they feel discriminated against.

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