NEW YORK CITY – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, today applauded the Vermont State Legislature’s resounding vote to legalize same-sex marriage. In an unequivocal show of support for the civil rights of gay and lesbian Vermonters, state legislators voted to override Governor Jim Douglas’ veto of gay marriage legislation. After Massachusetts, California, Connecticut and Iowa, Vermont is now the fifth U.S. state to allow gay marriage (though California has since passed a voter initiative reinstating its ban) and the first to do so through the legislature.

“Vermont citizens should be proud of their state representatives, who have just voted overwhelmingly to end Vermont’s ban on same-sex marriage,” said Rep. Nadler. “The Vermont State Legislature has made a clear and courageous statement to uphold the civil rights and dignity of all Vermont citizens. I rejoice with each new state that makes the bold and enlightened decision to legalize gay marriage and, once again, I hope that the rest of the country – including will soon follow.”