Washington, DC – Interfaith Alliance President, Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement following the Vermont legislature’s vote to overturn the Governor’s veto of legislation legalizing gay marriage.

The Vermont legislature did the right thing by overriding the governor’s veto of legislation legalizing gay marriage. Today’s action taken together with last week’s Iowa Supreme Court decision will forever make April 2009 a milestone on the road to equal rights for all citizens. Vermont has recognized and respected the important boundaries between the legal requirements for the civil institution of marriage and the theological requirements for the religious institution of marriage, and should be congratulated for it.

Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.