The legislation will now go before Vermont's governor, Howard Dean, who has promised to sign it into law. Rights denied' This week's vote follows a ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court last December that gay couples were being unfairly denied the rights of marriage. The move will ensure legal parity Under the bill, same-sex partners will be allowed to apply for a licence similar to a marriage certificate, giving them the same benefits as married couples on matters such as life insurance, health care and child custody. Couples wishing to separate would have to go to court. Gay rights activists have welcomed the legislation, saying it sets an example to the rest of the United States.
Opponents complain that the law goes too far.
Californian voters backed a pre-emptive move last month to ban official recognition of gay marriages. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Links to other Americas stories are at the foot of the page.