Today's debate lasted just over an hour and was marked by considerable decorum. But behind the scenes, there was also considerable drama. The son of Republican state Sen. Kevin Mullin came out as gay in a Vermont daily newspaper today, and it was Mullin who offered an amendment to put off the vote on the bill and, instead, put the issue before voters. That amendment was struck down 11 to 19, and Mullin ultimately spoke in favor of and voted for the bill.