In Support of True Freedom for all in New Hampshire
“Live free or die” took on new meaning during public hearings on a marriage equality and a transgender non-discrimination bill (House Bills 436 and 415, respectively) by New Hampshire’s State House Judiciary Committee on February 5. The state that proudly passed a civil unions law only two years prior was now tackling the next step towards full equality for its same-sex couples – marriage equality - and for its transgender citizens – anti-discrimination protections.
Unlike the first civil union hearing two years ago, which drew relatively little attention, Thursday’s hearing was well publicized and well attended, partly thanks to the appearance of Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, who testified in support of both bills. As he urged the committee: “As Americans, we are promised equal protection under the law and the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Be not afraid to make this equal protection a reality for ALL the citizens of New Hampshire.”
And while the religious right opposition was certainly out in force, marriage equality supporters overwhelmingly outnumbered them. It was a proud sight to take in the sea of neon green stickers our side wore to signal our support for the bill. And it was even more wonderful to hear person after person testify to the committee that separate can never be equal.
I was particularly eager in my testimony to counter some of the arguments from the other side and to illustrate, from GLAD’s extensive experience with both civil unions and marriage, how civil unions are not equal to marriage and instead impose real harms on same-sex couples and their families – from the lack of respect and recognition for civil unions, to the inability to access the 1,138 federal rights and protections that come with marriage only. You can read my testimony on behalf of GLAD here.
Unfortunately, because there were so many people testifying about the marriage bill, the transgender bill, which was supposed to be heard at 2 pm, was not heard until 5:30 p.m. But thankfully, supporters of the bill patiently waited for their turn to educate the committee about the reality of transgender people’s lives.
About a dozen people testified in support of the bill – and nonein opposition. At times, the testimonies were emotional and difficult, as unfortunately the horrifying stories of discrimination and violence against transgender individuals too often are. Stories like Sarah Blanchette’s, a former GLAD plaintiff who was fired from her job of 7 years when she informed her employer that she would be transitioning from male to female. But in the end, the committee gave a respectful and empathetic ear to those of us who believe that it is time for New Hampshire to prohibit discrimination based upon gender identity and expression. You can read my testimony on behalf of GLAD here .
As GLAD’s liaison to New Hampshire, I am excited and hopeful for progress in this session. I’ve been working closely with New Hampshire’s legislators (such as Representatives Jim Splaine and Ed Butler, who introduced the marriage bill and transgender non-discriminatino bill, respectively) and community leaders (such as Gerri Cannon, president of NH’s PFLAG chapters) in advancing these two bills. And each time I go up to New Hampshire, I develop an even greater appreciation for the fair-mindedness and real decency of New Hampshire’s citizens. When they say “live free or die,” they understand that true freedom applies not just to some, but to all of us.