The Senate Judiciary Committee recommended that a bill prevent gender identity discrimination be sent into interim study Tuesday, voting along party lines, 3-2. But supporters expressed confidence the full Senate would overturn the recommendation.
House Bill 1319 would amend the state’s discrimination laws to add “gender identity” to a list of existing categories, including age, race and sex. The bill would prevent discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations on the basis of gender identity. Supporters say the measures would afford basic rights and help prevent stigma and suicide.
Opponents have taken issue with the public accommodations language – with many balking at the law’s ability to allow transgender people into public bathrooms and locker rooms of their choice. Committee member Bill Gannon, R-Sandown, said while he supports the employment and housing nondiscrimination provisions, he opposes the provisions related to public accommodations.
“I don’t think society as a whole in New Hampshire is ready for this yet,” Gannon said. “Maybe in two years.”
Still, advocates remain optimistic. With three Republican sponsors in the Senate, and likely full Democratic support, the bill has the votes to pass to the governor’s desk early next month, supporters say.
(Ethan DeWitt can be reached at edewitt@cmonitor.com, or on Twitter at @edewittNH.)