Around New England

New Hampshire House Passes Transgender Rights Bill

March 8, 2018

The New Hampshire House of Representatives has voted 195-129 to add gender identity to the protected classes in the state’s anti-discrimination law.

Discriminating on the basis of transgenderism when it comes to housing, employment, and public accommodations would be illegal if the bill becomes law.

Supporters say the bill extends equality and dignity to people who identify with a gender that does not correspond with their biological sex.

“I’m against discrimination in any form, that’s what it boils down to,” state Representative Phil Spagnuolo (D-Laconia) told the Laconia Daily Sun.

Opponents say the measure is likely to have adverse consequences.

State Representative Vincent Paul Migliore (R-Bridgewater) said he worries about young females “being subjected to in the case of a male transgender being able to participate in the private aspects of the bathrooms and the showers and the gymnasiums of those of the birthright gender.”

 

New Hampshire House Bill 1319 now goes to the state Senate.

Governor Chris Sununu, a Republican, has said he supports the bill, according to the Laconia Daily Sun.


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