Vermont Remembers Pioneers of Civil Unions as 25th Anniversary Approaches
As July 1st, 2025, approaches, Vermont prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of civil unions, a groundbreaking legal recognition for same-sex couples that originated in the state. This important milestone stems from the landmark Vermont Supreme Court case Baker v. Vermont, which determined that the state could not legally discriminate against same-sex couples. Following this ruling, lawmakers established civil unions as an alternative to marriage when traditional marriage licenses were not available.
Stan Baker, the lead plaintiff in this pivotal case, passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 79. Alongside his partner, Peter Harrigan, and two other couples, Baker’s brave legal challenge shifted the landscape for LGBTQ+ rights. In remembrance, Vermont Edition will air a retrospective on Thursday, June 26, featuring a 2019 interview with Baker and insights from Susan Murray, one of the attorneys who fought for the rights of the plaintiffs.
Producer Andrea Laurion has spoken to LGBTQ+ Vermonters who were adolescents during the civil union debate. Many were too young to contemplate marriage but understood the significance of legal recognition and its future impact on their lives. Additionally, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Moats, known for his editorials on civil unions published in the Rutland Herald, will contribute to the discussion.
The live broadcast, scheduled for noon with a rebroadcast at 7 p.m., aims to honor the legacy of civil unions in Vermont and reflect on the ongoing journey toward equality. Community members are encouraged to engage by sharing their experiences and perspectives on social media.
For updates and more information, follow Vermont Edition on Instagram.
————————————————————————
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
————————————————————————
