VSEA Board of Trustees 6.5.26 statement, condemning the floor remarks made by Vermont Senator, Steven Heffernan.

The Vermont State Employees Association strongly condemns Senator Steven Heffernan’s remarks on the floor of the Vermont Senate during the debate of H.578, An act relating to penalties and procedures for animal cruelty offenses. Senator Heffernan’s comments were dehumanizing and deeply harmful to transgender and gender-diverse Vermonters, including state employees and their families.

VSEA is committed to a workplace and a state where all people—regardless of gender identity or expression—are treated with dignity, respect, and equal protection under the law. We stand in solidarity with Vermonters of all genders and call on elected officials to engage in public debate that reflects our state values of fairness, compassion, and human dignity.