Kevin R. Hughes

I am the parent of a transgender son, and I write as a father, concerned citizen and attorney to oppose this bill. It would allow businesses, organizations, and government agencies to discriminate against transgender people and denies them the basic dignity of using a public restroom that aligns with their gender identity. Forcing someone to choose between their privacy and participating in public life is morally wrong. Denying access to a basic human necessity is cruel. As a high school student on a school trip, my son was unable to use a restroom for over twelve hours—following the law yet fearing harassment because he did not appear to belong in the women’s restroom. No one should endure such humiliation. Decades ago, the people of NH, together with many other northern states, opposed the discriminatory laws of the southern states. Back then, we stood up for justice, and against bigotry and discrimination against people of color. After the Jim Crowe laws were abolished, this country became a more inclusive society; thereby allowing people of all races to fully participate in society, with social and economic benefits for ALL people. Abolishing those Jim Crowe laws allowed this country to achieve many of the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and of the federal Constitution. I strongly urge you to vote no on this discriminatory bill and to stand up for the dignity and rights of our transgender neighbors so that transgender people can, like people of color, participate fully in society, socially and economically. Please do not turn the page back to the culture that existed decades ago under the Jim Crowe laws. Thank you. Kevin Hughes, Windham, NH