Story perspectives

Rep. Heffernan Calls trans people “bestiality,” Democrats demand apology

5/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Republican State Senator Steven Heffernan likened transgender people to bestiality while debating House Bill 578 on May 15.
Democratic senators condemned the analogy, demanded an apology, and cited the unanimously passed anti-discrimination amendment, Proposal 4, which Heffernan missed in March due to a stomach upset.
Ethics Panel Chair Kesha Ram Hinsdale connected Heffernan’s remarks to President Donald Trump’s recent threat against “extreme transgender ideologies,” warning the speech fuels fear.

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Story summary

Republican State Senator Steven Heffernan likened transgender people to bestiality while debating House Bill 578 on May 15.
Democratic senators condemned the analogy, demanded an apology, and cited the unanimously passed anti-discrimination amendment, Proposal 4, which Heffernan missed in March due to a stomach upset.
Ethics Panel Chair Kesha Ram Hinsdale connected Heffernan’s remarks to President Donald Trump’s recent threat against “extreme transgender ideologies,” warning the speech fuels fear.