Erik Cole-Johnson

Dear Legislators, I am opposed to SB459 and hope that you consider that while this bill alleges to help privacy rights and physical safety of NH citizens, it would in fact invade privacy rights and physical safety. Many trans men look very much like cis men, and one would have difficulty distinguishing them from cis men. Would you want them using the women's restroom? That is one result of this bill. Another result is having trans women that look very much like cis women using the men's restroom. Odds are good if there is any violence that occurs there it would be from cis men harassing or worse the trans woman who, by this law, would be obliged to use the mens' bathroom. Privacy would also be invaded by forcing these trans folks to essentially out themselves by using the bathroom you wish them to use (i.e. for those who others previously didn't know to be trans). The threat of violence is even greater in settings like prisons. Many cases have been documented of sexual assault on trans women who were incarcerated with cis men. So, please realize that this will cause more problems than it will resolve. Similar bills have been vetoed by Republican governors already. Former Governor Sununu said that bills like this seek to solve problems that don't exist. I agree. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Erik Cole-Johnson