COURTESY
CONCORD — The New Hampshire House of Representatives passed HB 1319, legislation that would update the state’s laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing and public spaces to explicitly include the state’s transgender residents. The House voted 195-129, sending the bill to the New Hampshire Senate with strong bipartisan support.
HB 1319 lead sponsor Rep. Ed Butler emphatically urged his fellow legislators to support the bill saying, “Fairness and equality are not red or blue values, but rather human values.” A bipartisan coalition stated their support for the bill during debate, including Rep. Erin Hennessy, who cited HB 1319’s endorsement of the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police and the Business and Industry Association.
Linds Jakows, Freedom New Hampshire Campaign Manager, applauded the vote, marking this historic moment in New Hampshire.
“Today’s bipartisan vote demonstrates that New Hampshire is ready to truly become the Live Free or Die State. New Hampshire’s House of Representatives just voted to move New Hampshire forward by updating our state’s laws to protect transgender people from discrimination,” said Jakows. “HB 1319 is about making sure that everyone has the opportunity to truly live free. We are so grateful to the bipartisan coalition of New Hampshire House members who voted to champion opportunity for all, and we urge the Senate to swiftly send HB 1319 to the governor’s desk.”
“Legislators and the general public have now heard from business leaders, law enforcement officials, women’s safety advocates, faith leaders, and a wide range of parents, children and transgender people like me about the importance of passing HB 1319,’ said Gerri Cannon, Somersworth School Board member and member of Freedom New Hampshire. “I am a proud transgender woman and I have shared my story of discrimination with legislators in the hopes that our elected leaders will protect people like me from ever having to face discrimination again. Today,the New Hampshire House sent the message that discrimination has no place in the Granite State, and I know there are so many transgender folks across the state who will rest easier tonight.”
“Today’s vote is an example of what happens when folks come together — across political and ideological differences — to uphold the values of our communities and guide the policies of our elected government,” Anthony Procik, state director of Rights & Democracy New Hampshire. “This affirming vote is needed now, more than ever, given today’s political climate.”
HB 1319 is endorsed by the bipartisan Children’s Caucus and the Children’s Behavioral Health Collaborative. In addition, the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police endorsed HB 1319 saying it will make all of us safer, including transgender people, without causing any uptick in public safety concerns. The NH Business and Industry Association voted unanimously to support HB 1319, saying inclusion will make New Hampshire’s economy more competitive. The bill is also endorsed by the House Libertarian Caucus, the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation, and the New Hampshire Human Rights Commission.
Hundreds testified in support of HB 1319, providing over seven hours of testimony during two separate public hearings. Fewer than a dozen people testified against the bill. Gov. Chris Sununu has indicated that he supports the bill.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.