This afternoon (Monday, March 23) the Vermont State Senate passed S. 115, legislation for civil marriage equality by a vote of 26 to 4.
The 23 Democrats in the Senate voted for the bill by a 22 to 1 margin, while the 7 Republicans split 4 to 3 in favour of the bill. (In how many states would a majority of Republicans vote for marriage equality?)
(Unfortunately, both of my State Senators were among the votes against the bill - Republican Vince Illuzzi and Democrat Bobby Starr - reflecting the conservative nature of the rural Essex-Orleans Senate district they represent in the Northeast Kingdom. I guess my thoughtful letters to them didn't make a difference.)
