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In a historic move, the Vermont Legislature passed a major constitutional amendment on April 17, 2026, aimed at strengthening protections for civil rights in the state. The amendment, known as Amendment 87, expands upon existing constitutional provisions to ensure equal rights and protections for all Vermont residents.The passage of Amendment 87 comes after months of heated debates and negotiations within the legislature. Lawmakers worked tirelessly to draft language that would clarify and strengthen the state's commitment to upholding civil rights for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.One of the key provisions of Amendment 87 is the explicit recognition of the right to equal protection under the law. This will help to ensure that all Vermont residents are treated fairly and have access to the same rights and opportunities, regardless of any discriminatory factors.Additionally, Amendment 87 includes protections for marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and individuals with disabilities. The amendment prohibits discrimination on the basis of these characteristics and reaffirms the state's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.Supporters of the amendment celebrated its passage as a significant step forward for civil rights in Vermont. Representative Sarah Johnson, a leading advocate for the measure, stated, "Amendment 87 is a historic victory for equality and justice in our state. This amendment sends a clear message that Vermont stands firmly against discrimination in all its forms."However, not everyone was pleased with the passage of Amendment 87. Some critics argued that the language of the amendment was too broad and could lead to unintended consequences. Despite these concerns, the amendment ultimately received overwhelming support from both chambers of the legislature.Moving forward, the Vermont Constitution will be updated to reflect the changes outlined in Amendment 87. Governor Rebecca Adams has indicated that she will sign the amendment into law, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of civil rights protections in the state.As Vermont takes this significant step towards strengthening civil rights protections, lawmakers and advocates alike hope that Amendment 87 will serve as a model for other states seeking to uphold the principles of equality and justice for all.