One More for Our Team: Vermont Legalizes Same-sex Marriage

Today, Vermont became the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage.

The House voted 100-49 to override Gov. Jim Douglas's veto. The Senate voted 23-5.

Douglas observed that legalizing gay marriage was a moot point because it did not provide the same right under Federal law or in other states. He even rebuked gay marriage supporters for distracting lawmakers from more pressing economic concerns:

"What really disappoints me is that we have spent some time on an issue during which another thousand Vermonters have lost their jobs. We need to turn out attention to balancing a budget without raising taxes, growing the economy, putting more people to work."

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich admitted, at least, that the legislative process in Vermont was "healthier," while criticizing the Iowa Supreme Court:

"It's the height of judicial arrogance. You have seven lawyers who have decided, on their own, to fundamentally change Iowa."

There are currently four states that have legalized gay marriage: Vermont, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Connecticut