Vermont Senate
Committee Advances Same-Sex Marriage Bill

A Vermont senate committee voted unanimously to advance a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state.

The senate judiciary committee voted 5-0 on Friday to advance the bill. Republican senator Kevin Mullin was among those to approve the bill. He had previously proposed an amendment to the bill that would have called for a statewide referendum on the topic, but that amendment was defeated.

The bill goes to a vote in the full senate next week. Vermont governor Jim Douglas has said he opposes the bill, but sources speculate he may allow it to become law without his signature.