New Hampshire Votes Against Transgender Rights Bill

The New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee voted 5 -0, a unanimous decision, against an anti discriminatory bill to protect transgender individuals on April 24, 2009. The bill was designed to broaden the legal rights of transgenders; it would protect them against discrimination from landlords and employers.

Weeks ago, when the bill was first brought up it was dubbed the "bathroom bill" by opponents. According to the Concord Monitor, opponents of the bill "feared the bill would give carte blanche to predators or mischievous men to enter women's bathrooms or locker rooms." An opponent, Anne Marie Banfield of Bedford, NH, expressed concern for her daughter and stated she was angry about the possible ramifications of the bill.

The bill was originally intended to protect transsexuals against discrimination in the employment sector and with landlords. It attracted more momentum and media attention dubbed as the "bathroom bill" . Supporters of the bill stood steadfast with their opinions regarding the bathroom issue. According to Martha Clark, a co-sponsor of the bill, "These objections are outright lies. Of all the thirteen states and dozens of municipalities that passed similar laws of the past three decades there's not been one reported instance of bathroom misconduct.

Two transgender individuals cited different forms of alienation, harassment, and fear over loss of employment due to their gender status. According to the Concord Monitor, Sara Blanchett of Somersworth received a letter ousting her from her job immediately after she informed her bosses that she's transgender. Tony Maviki of Danbury, NH, who works in law enforcement, said she was physically assaulted by fellow officers when she was in her prior job as a corrections officer.

New Hampshire has not been recognized as one of the more liberal states in the country and anything to do with same sex marriage or transgender laws are no exception. The state recently recognized civil unions for same sexes but it is unlikely the senate would vote for marriage between same sexes. It appears to be much more of an emotional than concrete moray that the state population verbalizes at any of these types of public hearings. The House and the Senate seem to be much more in their comfort zone when passing legislation with clear perimeters such as fiscal matters.

The current transgender bill which came under consideration yesterday seems to invade murky and of yet, undefined waters. One politician, Matt Houde, assessed the matter by saying he believes the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights "already has the tools it needs to address transgender individuals." This particular matter has crossed party lines with some democrats rallying with republicans. Generally speaking, the politicians of NH seem to just want this whole matter to evaporate, giving them more floor time for what they consider more concerns.

One thing's for certain, this agenda will be on the NH House agenda again at some point in the future.

Source: Concord Monitor