Vermont's legislature voted to legalize same-sex marriage in the state, the latest in a series of recent victories for gay marriage proponents this week. The news came a few days after the Iowa Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing same-sex couples to receive marriage licenses. Vermont is now the fourth state to allow gay marriage, following Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa. According to supporters of gay rights, the Vermont victory is especially significant because it is the first time that a legislature has approved same-sex marriage, rather than the courts. While several states recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships, 29 states voted for banning same-sex marriage by constitutional amendment. In the first two minutes of this video, NewsHour correspondent Kwame Holman reports on the most recent developments in the battle over gay marriage. Quotes "I think the Iowa Supreme Court decision on Friday really drove home that [same-sex marriage] isn't some radical, newfangled idea that's going away." - Beth Robinson, Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force "I think [same-sex marriage] is such an emotional, divisive, personal issue, it's something that individuals have to decide how to vote on based on their personal convictions and faith." - Governor Jim Douglas, R - Vermont Warm Up Questions 1. What is same-sex marriage? What are civil unions? 2. What is your state's stance on same-sex marriage? Discussion Questions 1. Are you surprised that states like Vermont or Iowa have legalized same-sex marriage? 2. Who do you think should be able to vote on legalizing gay marriage - the courts, representatives or voters? 3. Do you think that your state could be the next to vote in favor of or to ban same-sex marriage? Why or why not? 4. Do you believe that same-sex couples should have the right to marry? 5. Why do you think same-sex couples think that it is so important to be able to get married? Additional Resources Read the transcript