Take a bow, Big V!

Today, Vermont became the first state in the country to, through purely legislative acts, make marriage equality the law. With this historic act, Vermont becomes just the fourth state in the Union to permit same-sex marriages (Iowa just legalized it through their Court system yesterday).

The Legislature voted Tuesday to override Gov. Jim Douglas' veto of a bill allowing gays and lesbians to marry. The vote was 23-5 to override in the state Senate and 100-49 to override in the House. Under Vermont law, two-thirds of each chamber had to vote for override.

I have never understood the opposition to same-sex marriage. The opposition has always been a religious argument and the State has absolutely no right or business endorsing any particular religious view. If you believe in any particular religion, great. I know faith helps millions of people every day deal with their lives and strive to be better people. I get that and it's cool. But when you start denying rights to people based on your faith, than you are crossing over the line. You don't get to legislate belief. Feel free to go join a compound or to simply sit back and make snide remarks about it. But if you believe your religion allows you to deny the same rights you enjoy to others...sorry.

That ain't how we say cricket and it ain't how we play chess. This is, after all, America. Love it or leave it.

Now...I just hope doubling the number of states with marriage equality means doubling the chances of seeing more choreographed wedding dances like this:

Late add: Looks like DC is "coming out" as well. As my girl Pink said, you better get this party started.

Later add: Best quote on resistance to marriage equality goes to Andrew Sullivan: "Maybe it's not out of a fear that we will wreck the institution. Maybe it's out of a fear that we will do marriage just a little bit better than the straights have."