Several Vermont senators spoke eloquently about why it is important that their gay and lesbian neighbors share the rights of straight people.

And the Senate voted for gay marriage, 26-4.

Next, it goes to a House committee, and then the full House, which also has a Democratic majority and is likely to pass the bill. The governor, Republican Jim Douglas, has said he’s against gay marriage – but hasn’t signaled whether he’d sign or veto the bill.

Here’s video of the Senate speeches on gay marriage.

Part one (the gay marriage part starts at the very end, 56 minutes out of 57 minutes in):
Part two (all gay):

We’ll have a full story later, and I’m looking now to find some quotes.