[1] Vermont became the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage, the first to do so by legislation rather than a court ruling.

[5] When Representative Mark Larson, on behalf of 59 co-sponsors, introduced a bill to legalize same-sex marriage on February 6, 2009, Governor Jim Douglas said economic and budgetary issues should be the legislature's first concern.

[10] Kris Mineau, president for the Massachusetts Family Institute, said that advocates of same-sex marriage "have wisely targeted the New England states, because of their progressive stance on social issues.

He said it was unusual to promise a veto before legislation passed but "During these extraordinary times, the speculation about my decision has added to the anxiety of the moment and further diverts attention from our most pressing issues".

[12] On April 3, the House passed an amended version of the bill 95–52, several votes shy of a veto-proof two-thirds majority.

He said he was "sending it to the Legislature urging them to do what their consciences lead them to do, most importantly to do it quickly and get on with the business of the state."