Transgender Anti-Discrimination Bill Clears Another Hurdle

CONCORD, N.H. - A bill protecting transgender people from discrimination cleared another hurdle on Wednesday as the New Hampshire Senate voted to pass it 14-10. According to WGMT, Republican Gov. Chris Sununu said he will sign the bill, which would ban discrimination based on gender identity in housing, employment and public accommodations, in addition to the protections that already exist based on race, sex, religion and sexual orientation.

Among the supporters was Sen. Dan Innis, R-New Castle, said everyone in the “Live Free or Die” state should have the same protection, including the estimated 4,500 transgender residents.

“I don’t understand, I admit that, just as many of you don’t understand me. That’s not what we’re asking for in this bill,” said Innis, who is gay. “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. They’re painful.”

Sen. Bill Gannon, R-Sandown, said while he supported protecting transgender people from housing and employment discrimination, he believes the public accommodation provision amounts to a violation of privacy.

“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, he said. “It puts the rights of one group over that of another.”

To read the full story, visit WMGT.