Post submitted by Aaron Rodriguez, former  Rapid Response Deputy Press Secretary 

HRC hailed a vote by New Hampshire’s House of Representatives passing HB 1319 — legislation prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. New Hampshire law has explicitly prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing and public accommodations since 1998.

“We thank the lawmakers who voted today to move New Hampshire one step closer toward passing these crucially important protections into law,” said HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse. “No person should be fired, evicted, or denied service just because of who they are, and it is far beyond time that the Granite State’s non-discrimination protections include transgender people. We call on the New Hampshire Senate to swiftly pass this bill and send it to Governor Sununu’s desk for his signature.”

“Today’s bipartisan vote demonstrates that New Hampshire is ready to truly become the Live Free or Die State. The House of Representatives just voted to move New Hampshire forward by updating our state’s laws to protect transgender people from discrimination,” said Freedom New Hampshire Campaign Manager Linds Jakows. “Granite Staters from all walks of life have gotten the opportunity to meet their transgender neighbors and have come to understand that 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 send HB 1319 to Governor Sununu’s desk.”

During hearings before the House Judiciary Committee, officials heard moving testimony from people across the state in support of HB 1319. Transgender residents spoke about the importance of these protections and how not having them has deeply harmed them, their families and communities. They testified along with business leaders, doctors, therapists, faith leaders and law enforcement officials, calling for this common sense legislation to protect some of New Hampshire's most vulnerable people.

HRC has been mobilizing thousands of members and supporters across New Hampshire along with Freedom New Hampshire, a coalition of national and local advocacy groups that include GLAD, Freedom for All Americans, the New Hampshire ACLU, Transgender New Hampshire, and Rights and Democracy New Hampshire to help pass HB 1319.