Death Threats Sent to First US Trans Governor Nominee, Christine Hallquist
Christine Hallquist, the first trans woman to gain nomination for a gubernatorial race for a major party in the United States, has been receiving an onslaught of death threats, The Burlington Free Press reports.
Hallquist recently won against three other nominees for the Democratic nomination in Vermont. She will go against Republican incumbent governor Phil Scot in November.
Hallquist seems to have taken the death threats in her stride, saying the threats and harassment started long before her nomination.
“Early on when our team assembled I said ‘the more successful we are, the more vitriol and threats we are going to receive,” Hallquist said. “It’s kind of a natural outcome of our divided country.”
Since her win, however, the threats have increased dramatically, most coming in over the phone or via social media. Her team have had to step up security, and are no longer giving advanced notice of her public appearances, or the location of their headquarters.
“We take any threat against a Vermonter seriously and are doing what we can to work with her campaign to make sure the threats are taken seriously and are investigated,” said police spokesman Adam Silverman.
Phil Scott, Hallquist’s Republican opponent, has condemned the harassment.
“We must – as a society – do better to combat anger and violence,” he said.
“I’m hopeful Vermonters will join me in ensuring everyone – regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or other characteristics – are treated with dignity, respect and acceptance.”
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