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In a move to bolster civil rights protections in the state, Vermont lawmakers passed a series of bills aimed at addressing various forms of discrimination on Thursday, July 9, 2025. The legislation, which was supported by Governor Sarah Smith, represents a significant step forward in the fight for equality and justice in the Green Mountain State.One of the key measures approved by the state legislature is a bill that prohibits discrimination based on hairstyle. This legislation, known as the Crown Act, recognizes that hair discrimination disproportionately affects individuals of certain races and ethnicities, particularly Black and Latinx individuals. By outlawing discrimination based on natural hairstyles such as braids, twists, and locks, Vermont is taking a stand against racial bias in the workplace, schools, and other public settings.Additionally, lawmakers also passed a bill that strengthens protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in Vermont. The legislation prohibits conversion therapy, a harmful and discredited practice that seeks to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. The new law ensures that LGBTQ+ youth are not subjected to these harmful practices and affirms their right to live authentically and without fear of discrimination.Furthermore, Vermont lawmakers also took action to address disparities in the criminal justice system. The legislature passed a bill that aims to reduce racial profiling and enhance police accountability. The measure includes provisions requiring law enforcement agencies to collect data on traffic stops and other encounters, with a focus on identifying and addressing any patterns of bias or discrimination.In a statement following the passage of the civil rights legislation, Governor Sarah Smith noted the importance of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all Vermonters. She emphasized that the state is committed to promoting fairness, dignity, and respect for every individual, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.The passage of these bills marks a significant milestone in Vermont's ongoing efforts to advance civil rights and combat discrimination in all its forms. By enacting these measures, the state is sending a powerful message that intolerance and injustice have no place in Vermont, and that all individuals deserve to be treated with equality, dignity, and respect.