Vermont on Tuesday became the fourth state to recognize gay marriage, and the District of Columbia Council voted to recognize same-sex unions performed in other states.
The two actions give same-sex marriage proponents new momentum, following a similar victory last week in Iowa’s Supreme Court.
“I think we’re going to look back at this week as a moment when our entire country turned a corner,” said Jennifer Pizer, the national marriage project director for the advocacy group Lambda Legal. “Each time there’s an important step forward, it makes it easier for others to follow.”
The issue also is advancing in New Hampshire, where it has passed the state House and is awaiting action by the Senate, as well as in Maine and New Jersey, which are debating same-sex marriage legislation.
The action Tuesday in Vermont came swiftly, surprising even some of the proponents of gay marriage who still were celebrating their victory last Friday, when the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages could go ahead.
More Top Picks Best Driving Sunglasses For Seniors
The two houses of Vermont’s legislature voted last week for a same-sex marriage bill — four votes short of a veto-overriding majority — and Republican Gov. Jim Douglas vetoed it Monday.
But Tuesday, several House members who voted against it last week switched sides to support the override, making gay marriage law.
Vermont has no mechanism for a citizen referendum — like California’s Proposition 8 — to override the law.
The Vermont vote Tuesday was particularly symbolic for activists because this is the state that nine years ago became the first to legalize civil unions between same-sex couples.