Headlines from the Granite State
Sununu signs anti-LGBTQ bills into law
On July 19, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed three anti-LGBTQ+ bills into law: one that bans trans girls in grades 5-12 from playing on girls’ sports teams and requires all girls to provide “evidence” of their gender; another that deems gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as “objectionable material” in schools; and a third that limits access to health care for transgender minors.
Following New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s signing of a slate of anti- LGBTQ+ bills, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and the ACLU of New Hampshire denounced the move as not only discriminatory and harmful, but one in stark contradiction to New Hampshire’s values of freedom and fairness for all and in violation of students’ rights to an equal education.
“The bills passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Sununu [on July 19] are mean-spirited attacks on our LGBTQ+ family members, friends and neighbors that do nothing but divide communities and single out already vulnerable people for unfair treatment. Our laws should work to eliminate the inequities and negative outcomes created and perpetuated by discrimination, rather than reinforcing them,” said Chris Erchull, GLAD senior staff attorney.
“LGBTQ+ students are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, just like any other student. It is beyond disheartening to see such cruel bills signed into law in New Hampshire. To the Governor and the legislature we say: this is not the last word on any of these matters. We will continue working to defend and protect the rights of all people in the Granite State, including LGBTQ+ people, to live freely and without discrimination. To members of the LGBTQ+ community, and particularly transgender youth we say: you are supported and you belong in New Hampshire. We will never stop fighting for you.”
Said Devon Chaffee, executive director of the ACLU of New Hampshire, ““These unconstitutional bills—now signed into law—are cynical attacks on some of the most vulnerable youth in our state and will have devastating impacts on transgender and LGBTQ+ students who already face discrimination and isolation just for being their authentic selves.”
“Our politicians are continuing to fail trans youth: these laws are not actually about fair sports, healthy classrooms, or overall wellbeing, but rather imposing discriminatory views and pushing transgender people out of public life. We condemn Governor Sununu’s signing of these bills and stand with transgender and LGBTQ+ Granite Staters and their families – we cannot and will not allow politicians to strip away their rights,” Chaffee said.
On the flip side, Sununu also vetoed on Friday a bill that aimed at reversing nondiscrimination protections for transgender people.
Seacoast Outright responds
On July 23, Seacoast Outright Executive Director Heidi Carrington Heath issued the following statement:
“Our hearts are heavy with the news that Governor Sununu has signed three anti-trans bills into law, taking an unprecedented step in the targeting of New Hampshire’s LGBTQ+ community. In no uncertain terms, we denounce these bills as harmful attacks that further marginalize the youth and families that we serve, particularly our trans and nonbinary youth. Although we are relieved that one of the anti-LGBTQ+ bills on Sununu’s desk was vetoed, the three additional bills signed into law mark the biggest step backward in LGBTQ+ rights and equality that we have seen in our state.
“To our beloved trans and queer youth, and families across NH, our work goes forward. Alongside our partners, Seacoast Outright will continue, and expand our work to serve, support, and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, families and allies. We will not stop working for a Granite State where you are seen and celebrated from the classroom to the State House and beyond. Never forget that your identity is your superpower. You are deeply loved. You Be You.”
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