Have you heard the good news?
Both Vermont and the District of Columbia legalized same-sex marriages today, tipping the scales further towards equal rights for all. While D.C. only de facto legalized gay marriage by deciding to recognize same-sex unions performed in other states - it would take federal legislation to fully legalize gay marriages in the capital - the Vermont decision was especially uplifting.
After the Vermont House of Representatives approved legislation making same-sex unions legal, Vermont's Governor Jim Douglas vetoed it as "a matter of conscience", defying the will of the majority of his state and their representatives. Well the Representatives weren't having it and called a special session to try for the two-thirds majority of votes from both the House and Senate needed to override his veto - and they got it. This is a thrilling victory and a needed example of government working properly, unlike the flawed proposition system in California.
Meanwhile, Governor Douglas has become the poster child for out-of-touch politicians and should be packing his bags for the end of his term. I would suggest shaming him with a letter-writing campaign but there is no need. His own state has already publicly shamed him with a two-thirds vote against his "conscience". He will be lucky to get a dinner reservation in his state after today's embarrassment.
Congratulations D.C. and Vermont! In honor of these victories I hear that maple syrup-flavored cocaine will be on sale at this weekend's White Party in Palm Springs. For that reason alone the battle has been worthwhile.
