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Vermont Senate unanimously concurs in constitutional equal-rights amendment, asks House to concur
Summary
The Vermont Senate voted 29–0 to concur in Proposal 4, an amendment that would add an explicit equality clause to the state constitution prohibiting denial of equal treatment on specified grounds; the measure now moves to the House for concurrence and would appear on the 2026 general-election ballot if later approved.
The Vermont Senate on a roll-call vote of 29–0 concurred in Proposal 4, a proposed amendment adding Article 23 to the state constitution to guarantee that the state shall not deny equal treatment under the law on account of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or national origin.
Supporters told the chamber the amendment affirms Vermont’s longstanding values. Senator Shem Sheen, who presented the proposal for the second time, said the change “reassert[s] the broad principles of personal liberty and equality” and is intended to protect historically marginalized populations while preserving the constitution’s existing rights framework.
The proposal’s text was read in full on third reading and includes a clause stating nothing in the article shall be interpreted to prevent measures intended to provide equality of treatment and opportunity for groups historically subject to discrimination. Under the amendment’s effective-date language, if ultimately adopted by the Legislature and the voters, the new article would become part of the constitution on the first Tuesday after the November 2026 general election.
Presiding officer (the presiding member) called a roll call after brief remarks from senators who voiced support. The clerk’s roll call recorded 29 ayes and 0 nays; the Presiding officer announced that the Senate had concurred in Proposal 4 and requested the concurrence of the House.
What happens next: the House must concur in the proposal in its next constitutionally permitted session and, if approved by the Legislature, the proposal would be placed before voters at the next general election as required by the Vermont Constitution.
