by Jennifer Mesko, editor of citizenlink.com

Forty-three states have laws that protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman, including 30 constitutional amendments.

Thanks to several legislators who mysteriously changed their votes over the weekend, Vermont has become the first state to radically change the definition of marriage through the legislative process.

Just five days ago, the Vermont House voted 95-52 to legalize same-sex "marriage" - five votes short of the number needed to override Gov. James Douglas' promised veto, which came Monday.

Today, the House voted 100-49, following a Senate vote of 23-5.

"The vote change reflects the triumph of a short-term view of political persuasion and correctness over a long-term view of the needs of future generations of Vermont's children," said Jenny Tyree, marriage analyst at Focus on the Family Action.

"Marriage is larger than any judge or legislator. It's the only social institution with the purpose of giving a mother and a father to every child, and lawmakers ignore that purpose to the detriment of society."

Three states - Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa - have been forced by their state courts to redefine marriage. Forty-three states have laws that protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman, including 30 with constitutional amendments.

Gay activists have made no secret of their goal to legalize same-sex "marriage" in six New England states by 2012.

Meanwhile, the Washington, D.C. Council voted unanimously today in favor of an amendment recognizing same-sex "marriages" from other states. The legislation faces a final vote in May, as well as congressional review.