Bill > HCR127

This concurrent resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of Act 91 of 2000, which established Vermont as the first state to legalize civil unions, tracing the landmark legal journey that began with the Vermont Supreme Court's 1999 Baker v. State decision. The resolution highlights how the court ruled that excluding same-sex couples from marriage benefits violated the state constitution, prompting the legislature to develop civil unions legislation. After extensive legislative debate and review, the House and Senate passed bill H.847, which Governor Howard Dean signed into law on April 26, 2000, creating a groundbreaking legal status for gay and lesbian couples. The resolution specifically honors the plaintiffs (Stan Baker, Peter Harrigan, Nina Beck, Stacy Jolles, Lois Farnham, and Holly Puterbaugh) and their attorneys (Beth Robinson, Susan M. Murray, and Mary Bonauto) who challenged Vermont's marriage laws, recognizing their crucial role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. As a final action, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the commemorative document to the original plaintiffs, the Pride Center of Vermont, and Outright Vermont, formally acknowledging this significant milestone in civil rights history.

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.C.R.127