LGBTQ rights in Vermont

LGBTQ rights in Vermont
Vermont (US)
StatusLegal since 1977
(Legislative repeal)
Gender identityTransgender persons allowed to change gender without surgery
Discrimination protectionsProtections for both sexual orientation and gender identity
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsSame-sex marriage since 2009
AdoptionBoth joint and stepchild adoption

Vermont is seen as one of the most liberal states in the U.S. in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights,[1] with most progress in jurisprudence having occurred in the late 20th and the early 21st centuries. Vermont was one of 37 U.S. states, along with the District of Columbia, that issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples prior to the landmark Supreme Court ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges, establishing equal marriage rights for same-sex couples nationwide.

Moreover, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations is prohibited. In terms of criminal justice, the use of conversion therapy on minors is legally banned since 2016 and since 2021 the common-law "gay and/or trans panic defence" was abolished and repealed.[2] Vermont is often regarded as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly states in the country.[3] It was the first state to legally recognize same-sex unions, when it established civil unions for same-sex couples in 2000. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2009, with opinion polls showing large popular support.[4]

  1. ^ Theil, Michele (February 2, 2024). "Groundbreaking map shows which US states are the least safe for LGBTQ+ people". PinkNews. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  2. ^ "Vermont outlaws notorious 'gay panic' defense". May 6, 2021.
  3. ^ Theil, Michele (February 2, 2024). "Groundbreaking map shows which US states are the least safe for LGBTQ+ people". PinkNews. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference atlas was invoked but never defined (see the help page).