Montpelier, VT – In light of Vermont Family Alliance’s Detransitioners Day event and subsequently planned counter demonstrations, Vermont Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale and House Majority Leader Lori Houghton issued the following statement on behalf of the Vermont Senate Democratic Caucus:

In response to recent attempts to politicize an individual’s private journey with gender identity and medical care, Vermont Democrats reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the rights and freedoms of all Vermonters. Personal health decisions and gender identity are deeply personal matters - not political talking points. Every individual deserves the dignity and respect to make these choices free from public scrutiny, interference, or government overreach.

Vermont has long stood for the values of freedom, fairness, and respect for all people. These values demand that we recognize and support the rights of transgender and nonbinary Vermonters to live openly, safely, and with the same access to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as anyone else. Attempts to use one person’s private experiences as a tool to infringe upon the rights of others are not only misguided but dangerous.

Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale said, “We stand with trans Vermonters and their right to access the medical care, safety, and legal protections they deserve. We reject any efforts to turn their existence into a political debate. Everyone should be free to live authentically and without fear—this is the foundation of a truly free and just society. We will move forward with compassion, respect, and an unwavering defense of the freedoms that belong to all.”

Representative Lori Houghton said, “It’s at times like this that I’m proud to live in Vermont. We will rally around our neighbors and I encourage people to connect and stay connected to their community. To our LGBTQ+ community, we are here for you, and stand with you. We look forward to passing the Senate’s joint resolution when it reaches the House.”

Senator Ruth Hardy (D-East Middlebury) has introduced a bipartisan joint resolution that reaffirms Vermont’s commitment to transgender rights. It was voted out of the Senate Judiciary committee this morning and will head to the Senate Floor tomorrow or Friday.