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Today was a big day for advocates of gay marriage as the state of Vermont and the District of Columbia (otherwise known as Washington D.C.) announced changes to their respective gay marriage laws.

Washington D.C. voted unanimously (12-0) to allow gay marriages from other states to be legally recognized within the district. The decision came from a special DC Council from each area of the district.

Vermont went all the way with its legislation, legalizing gay marriage for all couples in the state. The move was somewhat unexpected given that it was vetoed by the state’s governor earlier in the week. The initial bill was only passed by the state’s House of Representatives by a 95-52 vote, which would not have been enough to achieve the 2/3 majority necessary to override the governor’s veto. The second vote on the bill brought out a 100-49, which was precisely the minimum needed.

Supporters of the legislation erupted in celebration around the gallery and the lobby outside the Vermont House chamber. The governor, for his part, did not seem upset by the override and said only that the vote was “not unexpected.”

Below is the bill that will now become law in Vermont legalizing same sex marriage. It outlines how and when the provisions will take place in the state.

Vermont Gay Marriage Bill - Free Legal Forms

To download this document, click here.