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Vermont passes gay marriage; Iowa overturns gay marriage ban; WA closer to 'Everything but marriage'
Across the country, the definition of families is slowly evolving this week. Last night, Vermont became the first state to approve same-sex marriage through legislation. It now heads to the desk of Governor Jim Douglas, who has vowed to veto the bill. At that point, the Vermont House would have the opportunity to overturn the veto.
Meanwhile, in Iowa, the state Supreme Court has ruled the same-sex marriage ban there is unconstitutional. By overturning the law, the Court has made Iowa the third state to legalize gay marriage. The state legislature can address the issue in some way, but it is unlikely to do so this year, as the legislative session is almost over for the year.
Washington State is closer to providing same-sex couples all the same rights as married couples as the "Everything but marriage" bill continues to move forward. According to representatives at the Legislative Hotline, SB 5688, which expands the rights of registered domestic partners, moved out of an Executive Action Committee on March 26 and moves to an April 6 meeting of the Ways and Means Committee. At that point, it could move to a full vote of the Senate. If approved there, it would return to the House for a final vote. Currently, New Jersey and New Hampshire offer civil unions, which provide similar rights to married couples. Washington's "Everything but marriage" bill would give same-sex couples equivalent rights to married couples, although it would not be legalizing "gay marriage".
States that allow civil unions but not same-sex marriage are Washington, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
