Vermont Business Magazine Speaker of the House Shap Smith delivered the following statement from Legislative leaders today at a press conference held by Vermont Interfaith Action on the steps of the State House in response to hateful language and actions occurring across the state following the Presidential Election. “We have a lot to be proud of as Vermonters.
“We pride ourselves on being a community that embraces diversity. One that protects the environment which sustains us. A community that strives to uphold justice for every person, regardless of the color of their skin, their gender identity or expression, whom they love, whom or what they worship, or whether they were born here or elsewhere.
“We are proud of our decades-long history standing against hate and intolerance. We led the Nation as the first state to abolish slavery and again as the first state to declare through our Legislature that all people deserve the right to marry, regardless of whom they love. In the wake of this divisive election, we must hold up the accomplishments of our past while resolutely opposing any attempt to roll back the rights and liberties that so many have fought so hard to achieve.
“Many Vermonters and Americans are concerned that this past election rewarded and normalized behavior objectifying women, denigrating racial and religious minorities, and disparaging those with disabilities. They are worried that civil liberties protected by the Vermont and United States Constitutions may be under threat. Let us be clear that this election has not changed our Vermont values, and we will continue to reject misogyny, racism, and bigotry. Discrimination and violence have no place in our State. “Freedom and Unity” is more than our State motto, it is a charge that we embrace without reserve.
“We cannot let this divisive election weaken our commitment to this charge. Each of us must stand with our neighbors by refusing to accept any action fueled by intolerance or discrimination, and call out any injustice so that we can join together as a community to denounce it. We must all be active citizens in the fight against oppression. Our cities, towns, and communities, like our hearts, must remain open to all who are seeking shelter from hate.
“There is no doubt that the decisions of our incoming President and the next Congress may impact federal support for Vermonters from all walks of life, and we are committed to working diligently with every resource we have, and with all partners nationally and locally to lead our State through the challenges we may face.
“As a state we will stand together to reject any efforts that seek to erode the rights, civil liberties, and Constitutional protections that embody the fabric of our democracy. We refuse to move backward and instead will stand as a beacon of progress for this country in the months and years ahead.
“We have a lot to be proud of as Vermonters, and we refuse to let that change.”
This statement has been signed by a number of current and newly elected Legislators and remains open for others to sign on. The full list of signed supporters, which will be updated as new supporters sign on, can be viewed at the Speaker of the House’s website at http://speaker.vermont.gov/newsroom/blog.