Marriage equality for lesbian/gay Vermonters moved one step closer this morning (Friday) as the Vermont State Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation (S.115) authorizing same-sex marriage in the state.
WCAX-TV - Senate committee approves gay marriage
The unanimous 5-0 vote on S.115 surprised some observers, as it included a "yes" vote from Republican Kevin Mullin, a generally conservative Senator representing Rutland County, where opposition to the bill has been particularly vocal. Mullin offered an amendment in committee to hold a statewide advisory referendum on the issue (defeated 4-1) prior to voting for the bill.
It is expected that the full Senate will take up and pass the bill Monday afternoon (March 23), sending it to the House of Representatives, where final approval is expected by the middle of April.