Apr. 7, 2009 – Vermont Legislature Legalizes Same-Sex Marriages

“Vermont on Tuesday [Apr. 7, 2009] became the fourth state to legalize gay marriage – and the first to do so with a legislature’s vote.

The House recorded a dramatic 100-49 vote – the minimum needed – to override Gov. Jim Douglas’ veto. Its vote followed a much easier override vote in the Senate, which rebuffed the Republican governor with a vote of 23-5.

Vermont was the first state to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples and joins Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa in giving gays the right to marry. Their approval of gay marriage came from the courts.”