Hundreds Protest Planned Marriage Veto By Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas

Vermonters are pissed about their governor's planned veto of their marriage equality bill and today hundreds of them gathered at the state capital to say so.

Hundreds of supporters turned out at the Statehouse Friday morning to rally support for the bill legalizing gay marriage, two days after the Republican governor made the surprise announcement that he would reject the legislation if it comes to his desk. "This issue is not going away," said Paul O'Kane of Waterbury, who attended the rally with his civil union partner, Robert Tranchida. "We're going to follow the governor around the state and protest until he changes his mind." The Cedar Creek Room at the Statehouse was packed with a crowd flowing out into the hallways as the Democratic leadership urged supporters of same-sex marriage to speak to House lawmakers who may be on the fence on the issue.

"No one said this would be easy," Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin, D-Windham, told the crowd. "But we are more determined than ever to overcome his veto." Rep. David Zuckerman, P-Burlington, said there are more than 75 strong supporters of the bill in the Vermont House - and they are pushing for a stronger majority of 100. Lawmakers would need 101 votes in that chamber to overcome a veto. He said some lawmakers are struggling with the issue and - just as some did during the civil unions debate nearly a decade ago - won't make up their minds until the hour of the vote. He said supporters need to convince these lawmakers.

Somebody please send us some photos of today's rally.