The Vermont Constitution technically prohibits denying the existence of God

This provision dates to the founding of Vermont as a state and reflects 18th-century assumptions about the relationship between government and religion. The Founding era constitution writers believed that officeholders should have religious faith as a basis for moral governance.

However, this constitutional language has been superseded by modern federal constitutional law. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of religion, which implicitly protects the right to disbelieve. Additionally, the Supreme Court has ruled that no religious tests can be required for public office. As a result, while the language technically remains in Vermont's Constitution, it is completely unenforceable and would violate federal constitutional rights if applied.

The law serves as a historical relic, showing how attitudes toward religion and government have evolved. Vermont has made no recent effort to enforce this provision, and any attempt to do so would immediately face legal challenge.