Vermont voters to decide on equal-protection constitutional amendment

Vermont voters will decide in the fall of 2024 whether to add an equal-protection clause to the state constitution ^[1].

This measure, known as Proposal 4, seeks to explicitly prohibit the state from discriminating on the basis of race and other protected classes ^[1]. By embedding these protections directly into the state's founding document, supporters aim to ensure equal treatment under the law for all residents ^[1].

If approved by the electorate, the amendment would mark the third change to the state constitution within a four-year period ^[2]. This follows a trend of constitutional updates in the state aimed at expanding civil liberties and human rights ^[2].

Previous efforts to modify the state's governing document have focused on fundamental freedoms. In 2022, voters passed amendments that prohibited slavery and indentured servitude ^[2]. During that same election cycle, Vermonters also approved a measure preventing state interference in reproductive health care decisions ^[2].

The upcoming vote on Proposal 4 represents a continuation of this legislative push to codify anti-discriminatory protections ^[3]. The amendment would provide a constitutional basis for challenging state actions that result in unequal treatment, creating a higher legal threshold for state-sponsored discrimination ^[1].

State lawmakers previously moved the measure forward to the general election ballot after the house and senate approved the language ^[3]. The final decision now rests with the voters in the November general election ^[1].