Achieving consensus in a democratic society often involves bitter conflict and debate. This film shows three times in Vermont’s history when contentious issues were debated in the Vermont State House. In 2004, VHS recreated the debates about the abolition of slavery and the introduction of woman’s suffrage in the restored 19th century Vermont State House. The film includes video shot by Vermont Public Television in January 2000 showing the passionate public testimony about Civil Unions. In 2009, Vermont’s Legislature passed the Marriage Equality Act which legalized same-sex marriage.