The home of Utah Republican Senator Mike Kennedy was vandalized in alleged retaliation for his sponsorship of a bill that prevents minors from receiving transgender medical treatment, according to statements from the police.
Earlier this year, Kennedy pushed SB16, a bill that bans transgender surgeries and puberty blockers for minors. The law will take effect May 3.
The garage doors and part of the driveway of the senator's property in Alpine (a suburb of Salt Lake City), were spray-painted red. The vandals left messages such as "fash" (short for fascist) and "These trannies bash back."
BREAKING: Utah State Sen. Mike Kennedy, who sponsored legislation to ban child gender mutilation surgeries (SB16), said his home was recently vandalized.
The photo he posted shows the words "these trannies bash back" across his house in red spray paint. https://t.co/4RliiVrohK pic.twitter.com/bLLwqMLjOV
— Matt Wolking (@MattWolking) April 22, 2023
Kennedy says he will not be intimidated
Despite the graffiti on his home, Kennedy made it clear that he would not allow this type of vandalism to intimidate him. "To those who seek to use violence, vandalism, and intimidation to deter me from standing up for what is right, let me be clear: you will not succeed. I will not be deterred by your cowardly actions," he said.
The representative added that, although the attack was on his home, those responsible are also acting against the principles upheld by the state. "We will not let fear and violence control our destiny. As Utahns, we will always stand up and push back against radicals who seek to push their agenda in our state. I am more determined than ever to work with the good people of Utah to make our state a better place for all, especially our children, and I won't back down," he added.
