August 26, 2026
A constitutional amendment to protect the rights and dignity of every Vermonter — but only if voters approve it on November 3rd.
By Marguerite Adelman
What is Prop 4?
Prop 4 amends the Vermont Constitution to prohibit the denial of rights to an individual based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin.
Prop 4 is on the ballot in Vermont as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 3, 2026.
A “YES” vote supports amending the constitution to prohibit the denial of rights to an individual based on their race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin.
- A “NO” vote opposes amending the constitution to prohibit the denial of rights to an individual based on their race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin.
What would Prop 4 add to the Vermont Constitution?
Prop 4 would amend the state constitution to read “That the people are guaranteed equal protection under the law. The State shall not deny equal treatment under the law on account of a person’s race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin.” It would also additionally add, “Nothing in this Article shall be interpreted or applied to prevent the adoption or implementation of measures intended to provide equality of treatment and opportunity for members of groups that have historically been subject to discrimination.”
Why does this need to be in the Constitution?
Vermont’s Constitution dates back to 1777. While Vermont has passed many good laws over the years, regular laws can be changed or repealed by future legislatures. Constitutional rights are permanent. Adding these protections to the Constitution means they can’t easily be taken away.
Do other states have similar provisions in their constitutions?
Currently, 30 state constitutions have provisions that guarantee equal rights either in their original text or added later as an amendment. The last state to adopt an equal rights provision in their state constitution was New York in 2024, when voters approved Proposal 1. Vermont’s version is broadest by including gender expression as a distinct category.
Vermont’s existing equal-protection framework is statutory; this codifies the categories at the constitutional level, making it harder to roll back. Most attention is on the gender identity and gender expression categories, which align with broader 2024-2026 state-level fights.
How did Prop 4 get on the November 3 ballot?
In Vermont, a constitutional amendment needs to pass two legislative sessions to be referred to the ballot. Legislative sessions are held within a two-year period. In the first session, an amendment must pass the Vermont State Senate by a two-thirds (66.67%) majority vote and must pass the Vermont House of Representatives by a simple majority. In the second legislative session, the amendment must pass both chambers by a simple majority.
Proposal 4 was introduced on May 12, 2023. It passed the Senate on April 23, 2024, by 28-0, and the House on May 8, 2024, by 141-4. In the second legislative session, Proposal 4 passed the Senate by 29-0 on March 11, 2026, and the House by 128-14 on May 13, 2026.
Rights for Every Vermonter
- Freedom from Discrimination – constitutional protection against discrimination.
- Economic Opportunity – the right to a fair opportunity to work, earn a living, and support your family — regardless of your background.
- Basic Economic Security – recognizes the importance of housing, healthcare, and education as foundations for a dignified life in Vermont.
- A Fairer Vermont – sets a constitutional standard that state policy must work toward equity — not just equality on paper.
Vermont Can Lead the Way
Vermont has led the nation on civil unions, marriage equality, and environmental protections. Prop 4 is our chance to lead again — by making clear that our founding document stands for everyone who calls Vermont home.
“Our Constitution should reflect who we are as Vermonters — a community that believes in fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all. Prop 4 is how we write that belief into law.”
Constitutional amendments in Vermont require passage by two consecutive legislatures and voter approval. The Legislature has done its part. Now it’s your turn. Vote Yes on Prop 4 November 3rd.
Key Supporters and Advocates
- Vermont Racial Justice Alliance: Executive Director Rev. Mark Hughes and other leaders have championed the measure as a critical defense for marginalized groups.
- Vermont Commission on Women: Executive Director Cary Brown and organizational representatives have publicly advocated for the amendment.
- League of Women Voters of Vermont (www.lwvofvt.org ), a nonpartisan organization defending democracy and empowering voters.
- Civil Rights & Public Interest Groups: Organizations including ACLU-Vermont and the Vermont Human Rights Commission have supported expanding explicit anti-discrimination frameworks.
- Legislative Leadership: Sponsored originally by 23 state senators and backed by leaders including House Speaker Jill Krowinski, the proposal achieved near-unanimous bipartisan support through consecutive legislative sessions before being formally proclaimed for the ballot by Governor Phil Scott.