Patricia Anastasia | Oppose SB552

NH added gender identity protection to our law against discrimination in 2018. This protection was passed with bipartisan support and signed by a Republican governor. RSA 354-A:1 states that discrimination on the basis of gender identity threatens the rights and proper privileges of our inhabitants and menaces the institutions and foundation of a free democratic state. SB 552 asks NH to allow just a little bit of discrimination. This issue has been before the Legislature many times. Every time the Governor has said no by vetoing these bills and the Legislature has failed to override those vetoes. SB 552 seeks to solve problems that do not exist. This and all “bathroom bills” are rooted in fear, not evidence. This bill allows people to make judgements on others based on their perception of that person’s gender. This bill creates real safety issues. It’s long past time for the Legislature to stop attempting to legalize discrimination and to honor RSA 354-A:1 and the people it protects.