Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

Celebrating 30 years as New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.

Your Rights in Vermont

GLAD won an historic ruling from the Vermont Supreme Court in 1999 recognizing the right for same-sex couples to have their relationships afforded the same legal benefits, protections, and obligations as marriage under Vermont law. This decision in Baker v. State of Vermont led to Vermont’s landmark Civil Union law.

At a Glance

  • Vermont’s anti-discrimination law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity. Learn More →
  • Same-sex couples cannot marry in Vermont; civil unions provide all the state benefits accorded to married couples. Learn More →
  • Single gay people can adopt in Vermont; same-sex couples can jointly become the legal parents of a child. Learn More →
  • Sexual orientation and gender identity are protected characteristics under Vermont’s hate crimes laws. Learn More →
  • Vermont law forbids discrimination in public schools on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Learn More →
  • Vermont does not have a statute mandating specific informed consent for an HIV test or release of HIV-related medical information, but there are general laws that provide some protections. Learn More →

LGBT Issues

HIV/AIDS Issues

GLAD's Work in Vermont

From the Docket

Baker et al. v. State of Vermont

Victory • 1999

GLAD won a ruling from the Vermont Supreme Court that recognized the… Read More

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

Vermont Adds Gender Identity to Anti-Discrimination Law

July 05, 2007

Vermont joins Maine and Rhode Island as the third New England state… Read More

See All Legislative News »

News

Five Years After Goodridge, GLAD Announces “6x12”

November 18, 2008

Five years ago today, the world changed for the better when the… Read More

Read All GLAD News »

VT Publications

Share Your Story

Share Your Story
Stories Matter

The more people know their LGBT and HIV+ family, friends, and neighbors, the more likely they are to support our rights and help us work toward full equality.Read More

State Equality Partner

GLAD's state equality partner in Vermont is
Vermont Freedom to Marry

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