News

Log Cabin Republicans Celebrate Marriage Equality in Vermont

April 8, 2009

(Washington, DC) – The Log Cabin Republicans celebrate the Vermont House and Senate votes to override the Governor's veto of a gay marriage bill. Today's vote makes this a great day for federalism and the ongoing fight for marriage equality. With today's vote, for the first time, gay marriage has been legalized in a state through the formal legislative process and not as a result of court order. In the three other states where gay marriage has been legalized (Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa), it had been ordered by state supreme courts. In Vermont today, duly elected representatives of the people expanded the definition of civil marriage.

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. The House veto override was reached by the minimum number of votes required, with the crucial support of six Republican legislators. Seven Democrats voted against marriage equality in the Vermont House today.

"We applaud the eight fair-minded Republicans in the Vermont State Senate and House of Representatives who showed remarkable courage with their votes," said Terry Hamilton, National Chairman of the Log Cabin Republicans. "Today's vote clearly demonstrates the need to work with Republicans and Democrats to achieve marriage equality," continued Hamilton.

"We look forward to saluting these admirable Republicans and many others from across the country as we gather for our national convention in Washington, D.C. next week," added Hamilton. Log Cabin Republicans remain committed to working with all GOP groups and fair-minded Republicans to rebuild our Party.