By Guy Page
To the applause of a large crowd of lawmakers and advocates gathered in the chamber of the Vermont House of Representatives, Governor Phil Scott and Secretary of State Jim Condos today officially enrolled two amendments, Proposition 2 and Proposition 5, into the Vermont Constitution.
The upbeat event resembled a victory lap for the two amendments, which were approved overwhelmingly by voters on November 8. Proposition 2 removed all anti-slavery language from the Vermont Constitution. Proposition 5 enshrined, but didn’t define, ‘an individual’s personal right to personal reproductive autonomy’ into the state charter.
In their brief remarks, elected officials alluded to the nationwide implications of the amendments.
Gov. Scott praised the work of lawmakers and the voters’ decision. “We believe that everyone has the right to personal autonomy,” he said. “This new language represents the American Spirit, as well as Vermont.”
Prop 5 leaves medical decisions “between a patient and a health care provider, totally free from government intervention,” Scott said.
Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski – a former lobbyist and vice-president of Planned Parenthood of New England, the strongest non-governmental advocates for Proposition 5 – told the audience that “watching long held rights being rolled back was a wake-up call.” This was an apparent reference to the overturning of Roe V. Wade this June and the subsequent action by other states to restrict legal abortion.
Both amendments were approved by wide margins by voters statewide on November 8. Proposition 2, amending Article 1 re: anti-slavery, passed 82% yes, 10% no, 8% blank. Critics of this Proposition cited supporters’ claim it could be invoked to stop inmates from being required to work, and even to decarceration. Proposition 5 passed 73% yes, 22% no, 5% blank.
“Talk about a resounding vote,” Secretary of State Jim Condos said shortly before he and Gov. Scott signed the parchment officially amending the state constitution. “These two amendments passed in every single town and city in the State of Vermont.”
Vermont’s adoption of ‘reproductive autonomy’ has national implications, Rep.-Elect Becca Balint told the audience her soon-to-be fellow members of Congress are excited to learn more about Vermont’s constitutional amendments. “It gives them the courage to take up these issues in their own states,” she said.
Balint’s comments echo recent comments by former legislator and current Planned Parenthood vice-president Lucy Leriche (who was present), that abortion advocates in other states are heartened that Vermont passed an amendment without any gestational limits on abortion.
When the ceremony ended, Gov. Scott joked ‘the party’s over’ and left the chamber seconds later.
The ceremony did nothing to dampen the determination of Vermont’s pro-life leaders. “We’re not going away,” Mary Hahn Beerworth, Executive Director of Vermont Right to Life, said in a phone interview. The group’s annual rally – the first since Roe V. Wade was repealed – will be held in January, as always.
On Saturday, January 28, the 50th Annual Rally for Life is scheduled to take place on the State House steps to commemorate the 65 million unborn babies who have been aborted since the Roe v Wade decision in January, 1973.
Plans are underway for multiple activities in the morning followed by a march to the State House, a luncheon at the Capitol Plaza and guest speakers on a variety of pro-life topics.
Contact Information: Vermont Right to Life Committee, 802-229-4885, vrlc@vrlc.net
Categories: State Government
Criminals… the party of death.
History will remember the R who signed the bill, not who had a majority in legislature.
Republican in name only
Prop 5 leaves medical decisions “between a patient and a health care provider, totally free from government intervention,” Scott said. Does this include the medical interventions of childhood and covid vaccines?
Spot on. This so called “heath care autonomy” is just an illusion. It starts and ends where the Progressive ruling elite say it does. They will always have their hands around the throats of Citizens while convincing them otherwise.
This was the ruling of The United States Supreme Court shortly after the “civil war” in Ex parte Milligan, 71 U.S. 2 (1866) which yet stands to this day: “Neither the legislature nor any executive or judicial officer may disregard the provisions of the constitution in case of emergency…
“Section 98 therefore, Anyone who declares the suspension of constitutionally guaranteed rights (tor freely assemble, earn a living, freely worship, etc.) and or attempts to enforce such suspension within 50 independent, sovereign, continental United States of America is making war against our constitution(s) and, therefore, we the people. They violate their constitutional oath and, thus, immediately forfeit their office and authority and their proclamations may be disregarded with impunity and that means ANYONE; even the governor or President.
What an absolute disgrace. Vermont should be ashamed of itself. It’s proud to permit the killing of innocent humans? All for the ego and higher moral authority it likes to claim. Meanwhile The continued violence against citizens, the ongoing theft of liberties in Vermont, the loss of livelihoods, the lack of housing, and continued energy crisis rule the day in a once great State. Vermont has succeeded in it’s final transition to a full Dystopian society. I’m pretty sure many won’t be happy but they won’t do anything about it (other than some moving out of the State to leave it the inmates running it). Fine. But no future Federal bailouts for Vermont. Nope.
You are right about leaving this state. It no longer resembles the wonderful place I moved to in the early ’70’s and I am looking elsewhere.
Genesis 18:24,25,26
Slavery was abolished in 1865 and before that in Vermont, why did this need to be added because some people didn’t like the wording?
Sad day for our state.
Reproductive autonomy has the potential for allowing sex between adults and children since there are no age restrictions. Just that the participants be of opposite sex and consenting. Can’t restrict teachers and students. Prostitution becomes legal (just trying to reproduce).
The REAL fingers should be pointed to the 212,323 Vermont voters (yes some of your friends and neighbors) that are responsible for this travesty. They had the choice and the blood is on their hands
Who can you sue? The government who didn’t want parents involved in the decision making to kill a life or to change a gender without their consent? Do the people of Vermont have any leg to stand on, to say “Article 22 and 2 were not explained out enough with all the pros and cons to vote either one of them up or down legitimately. And our governor is so proud of the wording of these articles that he wants other states to follow suit!!! Yes governor, you pick up the pieces of the families that will loose their children, their lives by the state (sounds like Russia, China doesn’t it). All to maintain power by controlling the narrative.
Mary
“”Gov. Scott praised the work of lawmakers and the voters’ decision. “We believe that everyone has the right to personal autonomy,” he said. “This new language represents the American Spirit, as well as Vermont.””
Unless of course the state has “a compelling interest.” Then your “autonomy” is worthless. The useful idiots turned out in force for this the latest chapter of the emperor’s new clothes. Idiots yes, but I was NOT one of them…sadly I along with everyone else will pay the price for this evil choice.
“Unless the state has a Compelling interest” was so downplayed. Even though there is it a eugenics law now in our constitution for all to see.
One day, every single person clapping will answer to God and best believe they will regret it. Life is short these people have chosen evil to rule over this state but I’m glad to be on the right side for one day we will all be held accountable.
I’m surprised there was no protest to this event.
Governor Scott uttered “the party’s over” and quickly left the scene of the crime. Was Phil speaking in the prophetic? I am not moved by the cajoling, back-slapping, Cheshire grinning politicians making a mockery of our laws and elections. The boomerang is coming and yes, Phil, the party will be indeed over for you and every person standing in that chamber celebrating criminality.
It’s a disgusting display of E-G-O; Edging God Out
Between the two amendments, by any objective consideration, I still think they just outlawed alimony & child support. Seems like a fair trade for unlimited abortion. Win for men! 😄
There is waaaaaay too much pride here. And little respect for what they have done.
When I was young, my gf and I got pregnant. It was not convenient at the time. Abortion had become an option via Roe, so we considered it. Argued about, cried about, yelled about it, etc. It was an excruciating experience. We ultimately decided to carry on with the pregnancy.
Unfortunately, she miscarried in the 2nd month. God had other ideas. She could not carry to term. We have been happily married now for several decades and were able to adopt a wonderful son.
My point is the decision to seek an abortion is not and should not be a flippant decision. Based on my personal experience, I can guess that this was an incredibly difficult decision for most others to make.
The reason for this difficulty is obvious. Abortion always ends a human life.