Vermont 1996: Civil Unions, Ben & Jerry's Sale, and Political Shifts

1996 was a landmark year for Vermont, marking pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ rights, business, and politics.

1. Civil Unions Law Passed (April): Vermont became the **first U.S. state** to legally recognize same-sex relationships via civil unions (effective July 1, 2000). Signed by Gov. Howard Dean after *Baker v. Vermont* (1999) ruling. A national milestone.
2. Howard Dean Elected Governor (Nov): The former physician won his first full term (had succeeded in 1991). Served until 2003; later 2004 presidential candidate (DNC Chair 2005-09).
3. Peter Shumlin Elected House Speaker (Oct): First of multiple terms. Later became Governor (2011-2017).
4. Ben & Jerry's Sold to Unilever (Apr): The iconic Waterbury-based brand sold for **$326M**. Founders Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield stayed briefly; social mission board created (later dissolved).
5. UVM Catamounts Men's Basketball: First NCAA Tournament Berth. Coach Tom Brennan. Beat Drexel (1st round), lost to eventual champ Kentucky (2nd round).

1996 cemented Vermont's reputation as a progressive policy laboratory and marked the end of an era for its most famous homegrown company.