Fact Check: Vermont lawmaker relocates to Nova Scotia for personal safety as 2SLGBTQ+ member

What We Know

On July 4th, 2023, Vermont Representative Mari Cordes announced her decision to relocate to Nova Scotia, Canada, and resign from her position. Cordes, who identifies as a queer individual, cited multiple personal and political reasons for her move, including concerns for her safety as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She expressed that since the beginning of Donald Trump's presidency, she has felt increasingly unsafe, having received two death threats during her six years in office (VTDigger). Cordes also mentioned the impact of staffing cuts in Vermont's healthcare system on her nursing career, which contributed to her decision to leave the state (VTDigger).

Analysis

The claim that a Vermont lawmaker relocated to Nova Scotia for personal safety as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community is supported by Cordes's own statements regarding her fears and experiences. She articulated her concerns about safety and the political climate affecting LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly during Trump's administration, which has been marked by increased hostility towards marginalized communities (VTDigger).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this issue, such as VTDigger and Yahoo News, is generally high, as they are established news outlets known for their journalistic integrity. Both sources reported on Cordes's statements and provided context regarding her motivations for moving, including her experiences with threats and her professional challenges in Vermont (VTDigger, Yahoo News).

While some may argue that the political climate has improved since the end of Trump's presidency, Cordes's personal experiences cannot be dismissed. The threats she received and her feelings of insecurity are valid considerations that influenced her decision to relocate.

Conclusion

The claim that Vermont lawmaker Mari Cordes relocated to Nova Scotia for personal safety as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community is True. Cordes's own statements about her fears for safety, coupled with her experiences of receiving death threats, substantiate this claim. Her decision reflects broader concerns about the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in certain political climates.

Fact Check: Vermont lawmaker relocates to Nova Scotia for personal safety as 2SLGBTQ+ member