NH to ban transgender discrimination

On Wednesday, May 2 the New Hampshire Senate passed a bill to add gender identity to the state’s anti-discrimination laws. This would protect transgender residents from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodation (such as hotels, restaurants, and gyms).

The bill, HB 1319, already passed the House. Gov. Chris Sununu is expected to sign the bill into law.

Bill supporters provided many examples of transgender citizens facing harassment and even violence in employment and housing.

“These laws are necessary because of the pervasive discrimination that transgender people face at work, at home and in public. I’m not transgender, but 10, 20 years ago, I experienced these discriminations [as a gay man]. They’re painful.”

- Sen. Dan Innis

Bill opponents expressed concern that the bill was too broadly written, and would give biological men a justification for intruding on women in locker rooms, bathrooms, and other public accommodations.

“This bill would remove privacy rights of my three young daughters in their locker room, my wife at her gym and my 91-year-old mother when she goes to a restaurant with over 25 people. It puts the rights of one group over that of another.”

- Sen. Bill Gannon

Visit our issue pages on Gay and Transgender Rights or Employment Discrimination to learn more.

Do you have an opinion on HB 1319? Let us know in the comments.