Vermont Same-sex Marriage Bill Passes 95-52 | Lez Get Real

the votes are in but its not over, If the gov veto's this bill its likely to be overridden because he preempted the house vote with his announcement. Many house members are upset and will vote for the override even though they voted against the bill.

Same-sex Marriage Bill Passes 95-52 | Lez Get Real

House of Representatives voted at passed nine in the evening on whether or not to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples within the state. Passionate arguments occurred, and the vote was always up in the air. However, what occurred is that this bill did pass ninety-five to fifty-two with three non votes.

Many of those who have voted against this bill have stated that they plan on voting for the override when it comes. While they are not necessarily for same-sex marriage, they are annoyed and angered with Governor Jim Douglas for his announcement stating that he intended to veto this bill. Many Democrats are against this Douglas, and will do what they can to make sure that they can stick it to him. Governor Douglas may want to consider the very fact that having his veto overridden would be a political black eye, and one that could hamper him in the future.

Vermonters are intense about keeping their political process civil. It is expected that a person will vote for their constituency and not simply for their convictions. One Representative gave a statement in which he explained that he voted against the bill because of his constituents, but he personally favors the bill.

The vote to override the veto will likely come on Tuesday unless Governor Douglas does the politically expedient thing and sign the bill. Whether Douglas likes it or not, the man who has, so far, managed to beat most veto breakers losing a veto breaking vote could be crippling. Worse, by vetoing this bill, he may end up confirming the worst suspicions that many Vermonters have over his priorities, and he could end his own career on a veto which would fly in the face of the majority of Vermonters.

The override in the Senate will be easy. The override in the House may be harder, but given the animosity which now laces the relationship between Governor Douglas and the House, it may be far easier to obtain than the hundred votes in the chamber. After all, it will only take five Representatives to decide that they want to stick it to Governor Douglas.