Proposal 4: Equal protectionEqual protection under the law, written into the constitution
Read the full text of the measure: Governor's proclamation of the proposal (PDF)
In plain words
This would add a new Article 23 to the Vermont Constitution. It says everyone is guaranteed equal protection under the law and that the state cannot deny equal treatment because of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or national origin. The last sentence says the article cannot be used to stop measures meant to give equal treatment and opportunity to groups that have been treated unfairly in the past. Backers say constitutional rights are harder to take away than laws; opponents say the last sentence favors some groups over others. (sevendaysvt.com )
Before and after
| Question | Today | If it passes |
|---|---|---|
| Words "equal protection under the law" in the Vermont Constitution | Not confirmed yet | Yes, in new Article 23 |
| State may not deny equal treatment because of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or national origin | Not confirmed yet | Written into the constitution |
| Measures to help groups that have faced discrimination | Not confirmed yet | The article says it cannot be used to stop them |
Our summary of the sources linked here. It is not checked line by line against the Governor's proclamation.
Biggest change
- Lists the traits (including gender identity and gender expression) the state may not use to deny equal treatment. source: governor.vermont.gov (Governor's office)
- The final sentence says the article cannot be read to stop measures meant to provide equal treatment and opportunity for groups that have historically faced discrimination. Vermont Human Rights Commission head Big Hartman says it is needed so future courts do not strike down diversity, equity and inclusion programs. source: sevendaysvt.com
Who it affects most: People in the groups named in the article, and state and local governments and schools that run programs aimed at equal opportunity.
Cost to the state: No cost estimate found. Unknown. Opponent Renee McGuinness says it would raise taxes and bring lawsuits; that is an opinion, not an estimate.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
The Vermont Constitution would guarantee equal protection under the law and bar the state from denying equal treatment for the listed reasons, and measures to promote equal opportunity for groups that faced discrimination would be protected.
The constitution stays as it is, with no new equal protection article, and equal treatment rules stay in ordinary state and federal law.
Our one-line summary, not official wording.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
The Legislature put this on the ballot. It changes the state constitution, so only another statewide vote can change it back. It passes with a majority of the votes cast on it.
Why supporters want it
- Sen. Nader Hashim (D-Windham) argued existing protections have not been enough: "A lot can change, for better or worse, over the course of several decades, or even a few years." source: sevendaysvt.com
- Mark Hughes of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance: "Equal protection must mean something in the places where people live." source: wcax.com
Why opponents object
- Renee McGuinness, who runs noprop4vt.org and is spokesperson for the No on Proposal 4 PAC, objects to the final sentence and says it creates unequal rights: "If you're white, you're now lower on the hierarchy of who gets preferential treatment." source: sevendaysvt.com
- In a VTDigger opinion piece, McGuinness cites law professor Peter Teachout saying "if you include certain classes in a closed list, you mean to exclude others," and says the amendment would invite lawsuits. source: vtdigger.org
Who backs each side
No public record found of a campaign committee or campaign money for either side.
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
INCOMPLETE: not shown. The Governor's proclamation carries the amendment text but no separate ballot question, and we could not read the sample ballot. Your ballot question is on your sample ballot (Vermont Voter Portal).
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
No articles collected yet for this measure.
Full text of the measure
Read it in the Governor's proclamation of the proposal (PDF) , or on the Legislature's page for Proposal 4 (legislative page: P.R. 4, "Declaration of rights; government for the people; equality of rights") , which also shows the votes in each chamber.
Read more
- Governor's proclamations of Proposals 3 and 4 (July 2026)
- Seven Days: Vermonters will vote on two constitutional amendments
- Ballotpedia News: equal protection amendment headed to November ballot
- VTDigger opinion (against): Proposal 4
- WCAX: Advocates urge yes vote on Proposition 4
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.