The House concurrent resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of Act 91, which established Vermont as the first state in the U.S. to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples. This landmark legislation followed the Vermont Supreme Court's decision in Baker v. State, which determined that excluding same-sex couples from marriage rights violated the state's constitution. The resolution highlights the extensive legislative process that led to the enactment of civil unions, including the thorough review and debate by both the House and Senate, culminating in Governor Howard Dean signing the bill into law on April 26, 2000.
The resolution also acknowledges the contributions of individuals who played a crucial role in challenging Vermont's marriage laws, particularly the plaintiffs in the Baker case and their attorneys. It recognizes that Act 91 laid the groundwork for Vermont's subsequent marriage equality statute in 2009. In conclusion, the resolution calls for the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the plaintiffs, their attorneys, and local LGBTQ+ organizations, celebrating the progress made in civil rights for same-sex couples in Vermont.