State of Vermont Archives: on Civil Rights
Bernie Sanders:
Bush’s tracking citizens’ phone call patterns is illegal
Sanders says the Administration’s plan to track the phone calling patterns of millions of American is illegal. The Bush plan has so angered Sanders that he’s joined a legal effort to prohibit this practice in the future. Sanders says, “This president
cannot do whatever he wants whenever he wants to. That is illegal. That is unconstitutional to my mind - the idea that the government can tap people’s phones or get into their emails without a court warrant is clearly wrong and it is clearly illegal.”
Sanders says it’s important to conduct effective anti terrorism programs, but he says these programs must be conducted within the limits of the law. Sanders says, “We want a vigorous investigation of anybody that the government or the FBI believes is
involved in terrorist activity. But you can’t just have a situation where the government can go after anybody for any reason without any probable cause, without going to getting a court warrant. I think that that is a very dangerous precedent.”
Source: Bob Kinzel series of interviews on Vermont Public Radio
Jun 5, 2006
Brenda Siegel:
Came out as bisexual after her son came out to her
Siegel, who has been in the public eye since she ran for governor in 2018, came out to the public as bisexual just two years ago, at age 43. She said she got the courage to do so after her son came out to her. "My son is much more comfortable
coming out as bi at 17," Siegel said. "At that age, that would have been very, very challenging for me, and I think that that's a sign of how much has changed."
Source: VT Digger on 2022 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Jun 15, 2022
Christine Hallquist:
Wants Vermont to welcome all groups, including marginalized
Address racial disparities in Vermont's criminal justice system. Ensure Vermont communities are welcoming to all, including historically marginalized groups.
Ensure safe schools where our children can learn, thrive, and never face a threat of gun violence.
Source: 2018 VT governor Campaign website ChristineForVermont.com
Sep 1, 2018
David Zuckerman:
Supports same-sex marriage and inclusion of gender identity
Q: Do you support same-sex marriage?Yes.
Q: Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Vermont's anti-discrimination laws?
Yes.
Q: Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Vermont's anti-discrimination laws?
Yes.
Source: Vote Smart Vermont State 2014 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2014
David Zuckerman:
Root out structural and systemic oppression
We must address implicit bias in all aspects of our communities, from education to employment, and the long-term impact that it has on all people of color. It is imperative that we work to right the legacy impacts of policy decisions that have
disadvantaged people of color and have had pervasive and persistent ramifications. It is equally important that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past and ensure that our work is informed by an intention to root out structural and systemic oppression.
Many people with disabilities face discrimination and barriers that restrict them from participating in society on an equal basis. We must prioritize legislation that incorporates equity. We must provide incentives and support to
Vermont businesses to hire people with disabilities and ensure that schools are providing education that meets each child's needs. Vermonters with disabilities deserve the same quality of life that all Vermonters deserve.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com
Apr 3, 2020
David Zuckerman:
Voted to override veto of gay marriage law
Vermont should be a place where all feel welcome. We must work to remove societal biases and laws that disproportionately harm nonmajority communities in Vermont. We must lift up Vermont women, indigenous Vermonters, Vermonters of color, LGBTQIA
Vermonters, rural Vermonters, Vermonters of all religions, Vermonters with disabilities, and Vermonters of all socioeconomic classes. We must stand up against hate speech and ensure equal employment opportunities and equity.
In 2009 David and the Vermont legislature codified the right of same-sex couples to marry in Vermont by overriding Governor Jim Douglas' veto. We as Vermonters will continue to uplift the
LGBTQIA community by ensuring that they receive the same rights
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com
Apr 3, 2020
David Zuckerman:
Women should be paid equally and treated equally
Women should be paid equally and treated equally. While we can be proud that the gender pay gap in Vermont is the lowest of any of the United States, no gap is acceptable. Vermont women made 87 cents to every dollar that a
Vermont man made in 2019, and the gap increases when race is taken into account. We must also address underlying sexism and ensure pay equity.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com
Apr 3, 2020
Greg Parke:
Constitutional gay marriage ban is democracy in action
Senate Republican leaders in Washington tried to bring up a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage for a vote last week but they lacked the votes to have the bill considered on the floor. Greg Parke says he supports a constitutional
amendment to prohibit gay marriage as a way to rein in state judges who are overturning marriage laws: Parke says, "Right now you have government imposing its will on society and these are unelected judges this constitutional amendment is democracy in a
Source: Bob Kinzel series of interviews on Vermont Public Radio
Jun 12, 2006
Howard Dean:
Gays deserve equal rights under the law
Q: Does gay marriage make you uncomfortable? A: When I signed the civil unions bill, I didn't know anything more about the gay community than I did 25 years earlier. I did it, not because I knew a lot about the gay community,
it was because I believed every single American deserves equal rights under the law. I have come to know the GLBT community over time because I signed the first equal rights under the law bill for gay and lesbian Americans.
Source: CNN Rock The Vote on 2000 Vermont Voting Record H.847
Nov 5, 2003
Howard Dean:
Egalitarianism implies the legality of gay civil unions
I believe that all people are created equal, certainly in the eyes of God. Therefore, they should be equal in the eyes of the law. That's why I knew I had to work for civil unions. I never viewed the bill as a gay rights issue.
I signed it out of a commitment to human rights, and because every single American has the same right to equality and justice under the law that I have.
Source: Winning Back America, p.157, on Vermont Voting Record H.847
Dec 3, 2003
Jim Douglas:
Veto defining marriage as "2 people" not "1 man & 1 woman"
Gov. Douglas VETOED the proposed bill: Vermont legislative summary for S.115: Marriage is the legally recognized union of two people [changing the definition from "one man and one woman"]. Gender-specific terms relating to the
marital relationship, including "spouse," "family," "marriage," "bride," "groom," "husband," "wife," "widow," and "widower," shall be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes throughout the law.
Governor's veto message:
This is an issue that is intensely personal, but I am charged by our Constitution to act, and by its return without my signature, I have fulfilled that responsibility. Vermont's civil union law has afforded the same state rights, responsibilities and
benefits of marriage to same sex couples. I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.
Legislative outcome: 4/6 vetoed by Governor Douglas; 4/7 veto override in House 94-52-3; 4/7 Senate veto override 23-5-2.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.115
Apr 7, 2009
Jim Douglas:
Declare Juneteenth an annual tribute to emancipation
Governor Jim Douglas today announced that he has proclaimed this Saturday, June 20, 2009 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Vermont. "I want to thank [legislators] for their tremendous efforts to pass
Legislation declaring the third Saturday in June annually, as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Vermont," said Governor Douglas.
Juneteenth is an important annual tribute to the emancipation of African-Americans from slavery in our country. And it serves as a reminder to us all that we must speak out against hate,
violence and discrimination against all humans. I hope Vermonters will join me in commemorating Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Vermont."
Source: Governor press release on Vermont proclamation/voting record
Jun 19, 2009
Matt Dunne:
Equal benefits for same sex couples
Q: Should people in civil unions have the same benefits as married couples in Vermont?A: Yes.
Q: Should Vermont restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
A: No.
Dunne indicates he would include sexual orientation in Vermont's anti-discrimination laws.
Source: Vermont Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2002
Peter Shumlin:
Define marriage as "two people" not "one man & one woman"
Sen. Shumlin SPONSORED this bill and voted to override the veto: Vermont legislative summary for S.115: Marriage is the legally recognized union of two people [changing the definition from "one man and one woman"]. Gender-specific terms
relating to the marital relationship, including "spouse," "bride," "groom," "husband," "wife," "widow," and "widower," shall be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes throughout the law.
Governor's veto message:
This is an issue that is intensely personal, but I am charged by our Constitution to act, and by its return without my signature, I have fulfilled that responsibility. Vermont's civil union law has afforded the same state rights, responsibilities and
benefits of marriage to same sex couples. I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.
Legislative outcome: 4/6 vetoed by Governor Douglas; 4/7 veto override in House 94-52-3; 4/7 Senate veto override 23-5-2.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.115
Apr 7, 2009
Peter Shumlin:
Define marriage as "two people" not "one man & one woman"
Sen. Shumlin SPONSORED this bill and voted to override the veto: Vermont legislative summary for S.115: Marriage is the legally recognized union of two people [changing the definition from "one man and one woman"]. Gender-specific terms
relating to the marital relationship, including "spouse," "bride," "groom," "husband," "wife," "widow," and "widower," shall be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes throughout the law.
Governor's veto message:
This is an issue that is intensely personal, but I am charged by our Constitution to act, and by its return without my signature, I have fulfilled that responsibility. Vermont's civil union law has afforded the same state rights, responsibilities and
benefits of marriage to same sex couples. I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.
Legislative outcome: 4/6 vetoed by Governor Douglas; 4/7 veto override in House 94-52-3; 4/7 Senate veto override 23-5-2.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.115
Apr 7, 2009
Phil Scott:
Ballot initiative ok; don't legislatively re-define marriage
Sen. Scott OPPOSED the proposed bill (supporting instead a ballot initiative): Vermont legislative summary for S.115: Marriage is the legally recognized union of two people [changing the definition from "one man and one woman"]. Gender-
specific terms relating to the marital relationship, including "spouse," "bride," "groom," "widow," and "widower," shall be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes throughout the law.
Governor's veto message:
This is an issue that is intensely personal, but I am charged by our Constitution to act, and by its return without my signature, I have fulfilled that responsibility. Vermont's civil union law has afforded the same state rights, responsibilities and
benefits of marriage to same sex couples. I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.
Legislative outcome: 4/6 vetoed by Gov. Douglas; 4/7 veto override in House 94-52-3; 4/7 Senate veto override 23-5-2 (Scott absent)
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.115
Apr 7, 2009
Phil Scott:
Supports gay marriage and transgender bathroom rights
Lt. Gov. Phil Scott, the only Republican statewide officeholder, has made this race close by tacking to the left. A part-time race-car driver, Scott has wide name recognition and has denounced Trump as "someone who exploits fear for political gain"
and "who is willing to overlook the truth."Scott supports abortion rights and gay marriage, and said during a debate that transgender students should be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice.
Source: Associated Press on 2016 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Oct 1, 2016
Phil Scott:
Support peaceful march against bias & discrimination
Over the weekend, thousands of Vermonters peacefully marched into Montpelier to show solidarity in our resolve against bias, discrimination and intolerance.I will continue to protect the rights of Vermonters and
the human rights of all people. In my Inaugural address, I outlined a vision where we build the best education system in the country, making economic growth the focus of each effort we undertake, and create opportunity for all Vermonters.
I am committed to this vision and believe we can achieve it, if we find common ground, listen to the people we are here to serve, and make the difficult decisions necessary to set a new course.
If we work together and consider the motto of Vermont's Mountain Battalion: we can "ascend to victory," even when the climb sometimes feels too steep.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
Richard Tarrant:
Don't use Constitution on special interest like gay marriage
Senate Republican leaders in Washington tried to bring up a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage for a vote last week but they lacked the votes to have the bill considered on the floor. Richard Tarrant says it's wrong to use the
Constitution to address this issue: Tarrant says, "This clearly is one special interest against another special interest and I think the Constitution is clearly not the place for that so I don't think it should have never been introduced."
Source: Bob Kinzel series of interviews on Vermont Public Radio
Jun 12, 2006
Scott Milne:
Supported civil unions in 2000
His mother, Marion Milne, served in the state House. In 2000, she cast a vote in favor of civil unions. The controversial precursor to same-sex marriage divided Vermont, particularly in Orange County, where "Take Back Vermont" was the mantra blaring
from signs posted on barns. Fellow Republicans targeted her in that year's election, and she lost the primary. Marion Milne then ran as an independent in the general election, falling short by 1,000 votes.Scott Milne remembers that his mother knew as
she voted on civil unions that she was likely to lose her seat as a result. He supported her all the way, he said.
Scott Milne helped campaign door-to-door for his mother and saw firsthand the raw anger civil unions had generated. So did his
then-12-year-old son. At one door, he said, his son was treated to a string of expletives about his grandmother. "It's too bad what a divisive, traumatic time that was. How that ended up being a party issue on either side," Scott Milne said.
Source: Burlington Free Press on 2016 Vermont Senate race
Oct 28, 2014
Scott Milne:
Opposes affirmative action
Q: Do you support affirmative action programs?
Scott Milne: No
Source: iSideWith.com Voter Guide on 2016 Vermont Senate race
Sep 9, 2016
Shap Smith:
Define marriage as "two people" not "one man & one woman"
Rep. Smith voted to override the veto: Vermont legislative summary for S.115: Marriage is the legally recognized union of two people [changing the definition from "one man and one woman"]. Gender-specific terms
relating to the marital relationship, including "spouse," "bride," "groom," "husband," "wife," "widow," and "widower," shall be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes throughout the law.
Governor's veto message:
This is an issue that is intensely personal, but I am charged by our Constitution to act, and by its return without my signature, I have fulfilled that responsibility. Vermont's civil union law has afforded the same state rights, responsibilities and
benefits of marriage to same sex couples. I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.
Legislative outcome: 4/6 vetoed by Governor Douglas; 4/7 veto override in House 94-52-3; 4/7 Senate veto override 23-5-2.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.115
Apr 7, 2009
Sue Minter:
Define marriage as "two people" not "one man & one woman"
Rep. Minter voted to override the veto: Vermont legislative summary for S.115: Marriage is the legally recognized union of two people [changing the definition from "one man and one woman"]. Gender-specific terms
relating to the marital relationship, including "spouse," "bride," "groom," "husband," "wife," "widow," and "widower," shall be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes throughout the law.
Governor's veto message:
This is an issue that is intensely personal, but I am charged by our Constitution to act, and by its return without my signature, I have fulfilled that responsibility. Vermont's civil union law has afforded the same state rights, responsibilities and
benefits of marriage to same sex couples. I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.
Legislative outcome: 4/6 vetoed by Governor Douglas; 4/7 veto override in House 94-52-3; 4/7 Senate veto override 23-5-2.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.115
Apr 7, 2009
Sue Minter:
Economic security for women via livable wages and equal pay
Empowering Women: Women in Vermont are twice as likely as men to live in poverty and face additional barriers to employment. Vermont's families and economy cannot truly thrive unless we address economic security for women with livable
wages and equal pay. I will promote diversifying our workforce with family-friendly policies and non-traditional career paths to attract and retain women in the Vermont workforce.
Source: 2016 Vermont gubernatorial campaign website SueMinter.com
May 25, 2016
Phil Scott:
Review recommendations from a Racial Equity Task Force
Phil Scott- Wants to continue ongoing racial justice efforts.
- Looks forward to reviewing recommendations from a Racial Equity Task Force, which he created earlier this year.
- Supports the continued work of the Racial Equity Executive
Director position in his administration to identify and promote best practices in state government.
Scott Milne
- Doesn't support any specific policies that relate to racial justice.
David Zuckerman
- Wants to assess the state's economic development policies and determine whether Vermont is perpetuating wealth inequality brought on by historical systems like redlining.
Rebecca Holcombe
- Supports an increased role for community review boards in assessing use-of-force incidents involving police.
Brenda Siegel
- Supports policies that would diversify workplaces, both in state government and the nonprofit sector.
Source: VT Digger on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Jul 30, 2020
Scott Milne:
No specific policies that relate to racial justice
Scott Milne- Doesn't support any specific policies that relate to racial justice.
Brenda Siegel
- Wants Vermont to implement hate speech laws informed by an Illinois Supreme Court verdict -- libelous speech against a racial group is not
protected by free speech and can be prosecuted.
- Supports policies that would diversify workplaces, both in state government and the nonprofit sector.
David Zuckerman
- Supports bias training for all educators, state employees and law enforcement.
- Wants to assess the state's economic development policies and determine whether Vermont is perpetuating wealth inequality brought on by historical systems like redlining.
Rebecca Holcombe
- Supports an increased role for community review boards
in assessing use-of-force incidents involving police.
Phil Scott
- Wants to continue ongoing racial justice efforts.
- Looks forward to reviewing recommendations from a Racial Equity Task Force, which he created earlier this year.
Source: VT Digger on 2022 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Jul 30, 2020
Esther Charlestin:
Co-chairs the State of Vermont's Commission on Women
As she pursued her career, taking on diverse roles in higher ed and in the public school system, she ran a successful campaign for the Middlebury Selectboard. In 2023, she received a Leahy Award for exceptional leadership in the community.
She currently co-chairs the State of Vermont's Commission on Women, a role that reflects Esther's dedication to creating a just and equitable world, where every voice is heard and respected.
Source: 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial campaign website EstherForVT.com
Jun 12, 2024
Gerald Malloy:
I will protect individual rights; we are all God's children
Over 39 years ago I took the exact same Oath as a US Senator. That Oath has no duration and I continue to serve under that Oath. I will protect individual rights. I believe ‘all men are created equal', we are all God's children.
I will protect the rights of parents. I will support the intent of the Constitution: less Government, not more; Government for the people, not people for the Government (also known as Socialism).
I will support Government that provides just enough order so every American can enjoy their unalienable rights. I will support the opportunity for individual prosperity and
promote business by reducing over-regulation. I will support States rights under the 10th Amendment.
Source: Ballotpedia Candidate Connection on 2024 Vermont Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Gerald Malloy:
No reparations; no Critical Race Theory
Q: EQUALITY: Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race?A: (Did not answer)
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
A: I have served in the Army and have not seen racism be an issue amongst soldiers. God Bless America.
Q: I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist?
A: Strongly Disagree.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2022 Vermont Senate race
Nov 8, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026