Baker v. Vermont

Full Case Title: Baker v. Vermont, 744 A.2d 864 (Vt. 1999)

Description: Determined whether denying same-sex couples the right to marry violated Vermont's marriage statutes and/or Vermont's Common Benefits Clause.

Year: 1999

Legal Momentum's Role: Joined Amicus Brief

Brief:

Baker v. Vermont (PDF)

In this case, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that, under the Common Benefit Clause of the Vermont Constitution, same-sex couples must be granted the same legal benefits, protections, and obligations as married, heterosexual couples. This ruling led the Vermont legislature to pass the state's civil union law.