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Iowa: The Iowa Supreme Court's decision on same-sex marriage is expected to be handed down tomorrow morning at 8.30am, according to On Top Magazine. The issue in the case, Varnum v. Brien, is whether the state's ten year old DOMA is unconstitutional. The Polk County District Court held that the state's restriction on marriage was unconstitutional on August 30, 2007. On August 31, 2007, one gay couple was legally married in Iowa as a result of the lower court's ruling. The brief window of legal same-sex marriage in Iowa was closed later on August 31st when Polk County filed an appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court and the District Court granted a stay on the decision pending appeal to the Supreme court. More information regarding the case can be found on Lambda Legal's website.
Vermont: The AP reports that it is expected that the Vermont House of Representatives will vote on the state's same-sex marriage bill by the end of today. If passed, the bill will then be sent to Gov. Douglas, who is expected to veto the bill.
Maine: The offices of legislators in Maine are being flooded by messages from constituents with about three weeks until a hearing on the state's same-sex marriage bill, according to a local news source, seacoastonline.com. The hearing will take place on April 24th.
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In regards to the Vermont case, on the state-wide level, is there a percentage of votes from the Senate and House that could prevent the Governor from vetoing the bill? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristen,
ReplyDeleteYes! The legislature can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in each house.
The Vermont constitution provides:
"if [the Governdor does] not [approve], the Governor shall return it, with objections in writing, to the House in which it shall have originated; which shall proceed to reconsider it. If, upon such reconsideration, two-thirds of the members present of that House shall pass the bill, it shall, together with the objections, be sent to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of the members present of that House, it shall become a law." Chap. II, § 11.