Skip to main content

Should NH prohibit discrimination based on gender identity?

Image
News Date
Body

This year, several legislators are sponsoring a 2017 bill to include gender identity as part of the state’s anti-discrimination policies.

In the bill, HB 478, "gender identity" is defined as "a person's gender-related identity, appearance or behavior," regardless as to whether it differs with the person's physiology or assigned sex at birth. The bill also defines how gender-related identity may be proven.

The bill would apply to state government, local governments and private employers.

New Hampshire is the only state in New England without a law that prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.

Supporters contend that the bill would ensure the rights of all citizens, including transgender individuals, are protected equally under the law. They also argue that gender identity is not a choice, but a matter of biology.

Opponents counter that current discrimination laws are quite sufficient. They additionally question the idea that gender identity is not a choice.

Should NH prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity? Leave a comment to join the discussion. 

Comments

Login or register to post comments

Colleen

I encourage you to think very seriously about this bill and the protection of "human" rights. Everyone deserves to feel protected by the laws in the state that they reside in. Gender identity is not a choice anyone would make. To be transgender opens a person up to being laughed at, humiliated, discriminated against, verbally assaulted and puts them at a higher risk of being physically or sexually assaulted. As the mother of two adult transgender children I have witnessed this discrimination first hand. It is not an easy life they lead which is most definitely not by choice. Please do the right thing and protect all citizens. Thank you.

Thank you to our sponsors and donors