FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from the Vermont Democratic Party
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MONTPELIER, VT — Yesterday the Vermont Senate voted to advance two history-making amendments to the Vermont constitution: Proposal 2, a declaration of rights clarifying the prohibition on slavery and indentured servitude, and Proposal 5, a declaration of the right to personal reproductive liberty. Proposal 2, “Prop 2”, passed 29-1 and proposes the following amendment: “That all persons are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent, and unalienable rights, amongst which are the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety; therefore slavery and indentured servitude in any form are prohibited.” Proposal 5, “Prop 5”, passed 26-4 and proposes the following amendment: “That an individual’s right to personal reproductive autonomy is central to the liberty and dignity to determine one’s own life course and shall not be denied or infringed unless justified by a compelling State interest achieved by the least restrictive means.” The amendments will next head to the House for a vote. If the House votes in support of each proposed amendment, each will be placed on the November 2022 general election ballot. The constitutional amendments will then be voted on by the people of Vermont. The Vermont Constitution is a declaration of the rights and liberties of its citizens. The Constitutional Amendment process ultimately allows voters to make meaningful changes to the Constitution that have a direct impact on the lives of Vermont citizens by protecting our fundamental rights. If passed, Prop 2 and Prop 5 would each be a landmark victory for fundamental human rights in Vermont. We commend our Democratic senators who have worked hard in their support of these proposals.
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CONTACT:
Asha Carroll Communications Director Vermont Democratic Party acarroll@vtdemocrats.org (802) 391-4035