Montpelier, Vermont - Vermont became the fourth state of United States of America to legalize Gay and Lesbian marriage and first to do so with a legislature vote. According to Burlingtonfreepress.com, the Legislature voted Tuesday to override Gov. Jim Douglas’ veto of a bill allowing gays and lesbians to marry. The vote was 23-5 to override in the state Senate and 100-49 to override in the House. Under Vermont law, two-thirds of each chamber had to vote for override.
Gov. Jim Douglas of Vermont, who vetoed legislation, said, "I prepared myself for this outcome and predicted it. The outcome was not unexpected." He had called the issue of gay marriage a distraction during a time when economic and budget issues were more important.
"What really disappoints me is that we have spent some time on an issue during which another thousand Vermonters have lost their jobs," the governor said Tuesday. "We need to turn out attention to balancing a budget without raising taxes, growing the economy, putting more people to work."
Gov. Jim Douglas of Vermont, who vetoed legislation, said, "I prepared myself for this outcome and predicted it. The outcome was not unexpected." He had called the issue of gay marriage a distraction during a time when economic and budget issues were more important.
"What really disappoints me is that we have spent some time on an issue during which another thousand Vermonters have lost their jobs," the governor said Tuesday. "We need to turn out attention to balancing a budget without raising taxes, growing the economy, putting more people to work."
