Vermont: Marriage One Step Closer

Today the Senate Judiciary Committee in Vermont unanimously voted to move the marriage equality bill to the full Senate for a vote next week. An amendment to put the issue to the voters failed. The committee did approve an amendment that reaffirms the right of churches to refuse to perform same-sex ceremonies. The addition stipulates that no civil suits can be brought for such refusal.

Gov. Jim Douglas has refused to state whether he'll sign the bill. If he does, Vermont will become the first state to legislatively approve marriage equality. California's legislature approved same-sex marriage twice; each time to be rebuffed by Gov. Schwarzenegger.