VERMONT: FREEDOM TO MARRY BILL PASSES IN HOUSE, 95-52

I was in Montpelier all day, at the State House, sitting mostly up in the gallery of the House chamber, watching the debate and just got home about 20 minutes ago. Long day, the struggle continues: we still need 100 votes to override Douglas' planned veto (but that depends who shows up on next week's vote to override). I'll give updates as soon as I know...and I wanna know which legislators supported marriage equality, especially among the "conservative" Democratic representatives.

Rutland Herald:-- MONTPELIER – The same-sex marriage bill passed the Vermont House tonight by a vote of 95 to 52.

Debate on the same-sex marriage bill in the Vermont House began late Thursday afternoon, one day after a national traditional marriage group opposed to the change blanketed the state in automated calls.

Rep. William Lippert, D-Hinesburg, began debate on the bill shortly before 4 p.m. by walking through the 150-member House through the details of the bill, which would make Vermont the third state in the country to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.

“Civil unions were a bold and courageous move in 2000, but that promise has not been fulfilled,” Lippert said. “We can build on what we did in 2000, now in 2009, by taking the next step for full equality for gay and lesbian Vermonters.”