Phil Scott on Civil Rights

Review recommendations from a Racial Equity Task Force

Phil Scott
• Wants to continue ongoing racial justice efforts.
• Looks forward to reviewing recommendations from a Racial Equity Task Force, which he created earlier this year.
• Supports the continued work of the Racial Equity Executive Director position in his administration to identify and promote best practices in state government.

  Scott Milne

• Doesn't support any specific policies that relate to racial justice.

  David Zuckerman

• Wants to assess the state's economic development policies and determine whether Vermont is perpetuating wealth inequality brought on by historical systems like redlining.

  Rebecca Holcombe

• Supports an increased role for community review boards in assessing use-of-force incidents involving police.

  Brenda Siegel

• Supports policies that would diversify workplaces, both in state government and the nonprofit sector.

Support peaceful march against bias & discrimination

I will continue to protect the rights of Vermonters and the human rights of all people. In my Inaugural address, I outlined a vision where we build the best education system in the country, making economic growth the focus of each effort we undertake, and create opportunity for all Vermonters. I am committed to this vision and believe we can achieve it, if we find common ground, listen to the people we are here to serve, and make the difficult decisions necessary to set a new course. If we work together and consider the motto of Vermont's Mountain Battalion: we can "ascend to victory," even when the climb sometimes feels too steep.

Supports gay marriage and transgender bathroom rights

Scott supports abortion rights and gay marriage, and said during a debate that transgender students should be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice.

Include disability quality-of-life issues in public spaces

On my Race To Victory tour, many of the stops have included discussions with disability rights advocates and individuals with disabilities.

• As the owner of Dubois Construction for over 25 years, I have ensured and strongly supported compliance with all ADA regulations relating to my business.
• Through the Capital Bill, I have ensured the continued appropriation for ADA improvements to facilities such as armories and women's shelters.
• Through my work on Senate Transportation, I have continually advocated for improved public transit services throughout Vermont and recently supported increasing fines for handicapped parking violations.

Ballot initiative ok; don't legislatively re-define marriage

Vermont legislative summary for S.115: Marriage is the legally recognized union of two people [changing the definition from "one man and one woman"]. Gender- specific terms relating to the marital relationship, including "spouse," "bride," "groom," "widow," and "widower," shall be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes throughout the law.

Governor's veto message: This is an issue that is intensely personal, but I am charged by our Constitution to act, and by its return without my signature, I have fulfilled that responsibility. Vermont's civil union law has afforded the same state rights, responsibilities and benefits of marriage to same sex couples. I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.

Legislative outcome: 4/6 vetoed by Gov. Douglas; 4/7 veto override in House 94-52-3; 4/7 Senate veto override 23-5-2 (Scott absent)