After becoming the first state to legalize civil unions, Vermont has become the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage. Today, both houses of the state legislature overrode the governor’s recent veto of the proposed same-sex marriage bill. Notably, it was the first state to do so via legislative vote, as same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa was legalized via judicial determination. 

This enormous victory for same-sex couples comes on the heels of the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision last week striking down a state law banning same-sex marriage. It remains to be seen whether New Jersey, which has legalized civil unions, will follow suit.  Governor Corzine recently indicated that he would sign a bill legalizing same-sex marriage should one reach his desk.  Stay tuned into this blog for future updates in this fast developing area of the law.