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Vermont Senate advances resolution affirming support for transgender and nonbinary residents; amendment adopted
Summary
The Vermont Senate on March 17, 2025, amended and ordered for third reading JRS 15, a joint resolution expressing support for transgender and nonbinary Vermonters and condemning discrimination. Sponsors and several senators spoke in favor; the committee amendment was adopted by roll call.
The Vermont Senate on March 17, 2025 amended and ordered for third reading JRS 15, a joint resolution expressing the legislature’s support for transgender and nonbinary Vermonters and declaring the state’s commitment to fighting discrimination.
The measure was reported to the floor by Senator Hashim, who said the resolution is intended to assure Vermonters who identify as transgender or nonbinary that “all are welcome here,” and noted a committee amendment adding language to send the resolution to the Vermont Congressional delegation. Hashim said the Judiciary Committee voted 5–0–0 to advance the measure and asked for the Senate’s support.
Senators who spoke in favor described personal and professional connections to transgender Vermonters and contrasted Vermont’s position with actions in other states. A senator identified in the record as the "Senator from Addison" described emotional ties and said the chamber had worked to protect rights in areas including employment, housing and health care. The "Senator from Madison" raised concerns about an incident during public comment in Room 11 the previous day, saying protesters interrupted speakers and arguing that all visitors should be allowed to speak without harassment.
The Senate first voted on whether to adopt the committee-recommended amendment. The secretary conducted a roll call; those recorded on the roll called for the amendment by saying “yes.” The presiding officer announced, "The yay's voting 30, nos you have amended the resolution," indicating the amendment was adopted. The Senate then voted by voice to order the resolution for third reading.
No statutory citations or legal constraints were referenced on the floor during the recorded discussion. The transcript shows the committee report (5–0–0) and the floor debate and votes but does not record a final passage of JRS 15 on the day’s calendar; the resolution was ordered for third reading.
The floor comments came during the second-reading stage for the joint resolution. After ordering third reading, senators made several scheduling announcements and adjourned.
