Transgender rights activists protest in concordat against controversial bills

The State House halls in Concord, New Hampshire, became the epicenter of an intense protest this week, as a group of about 150 activists gathered to voice their concerns about a series of bills they say will harm the transgender community. The protest was marked by its passion and unity, as activists chanted, sang and shared personal stories in an impassioned call for Governor Chris Sununu to veto the proposed legislation.

The bills at the center of the controversy, known as HB 1205, HB 1312, HB 619 and HB 396, address different aspects of transgender rights and have sparked much debate. HB 1205 would ban “biological males” from participating in women’s athletics, a measure that proponents argue would preserve fairness in women’s sports but opponents say would discriminate against transgender girls. HB 1312, on the other hand, would require parental notification for educational content related to human sexuality, gender identity and orientation, among other topics. The bill would require two weeks’ notice to parents about such curriculum, aiming to increase transparency but also raising concerns about potential stigmatization of LGBTQ+ topics.

Perhaps the most controversial bill, HB 619, would ban gender-affirming surgeries for minors under the age of 18. Critics of the bill argue that it infringes on the rights of transgender youth to access necessary medical care. HB 396 aims to limit the classification of people by their “biological sex” in public spaces like restrooms, locker rooms and detention facilities, effectively rolling back some of the nondiscrimination protections put in place under Sununu’s own administration in 2018 with HB 1319.

The protest outside the State House was fueled by a sense of frustration and urgency. According to Grace Murray, the political director of the New Hampshire Youth Movement, “the people in that building were not on our side and they did not protect the rights of all citizens.” Murray was one of many voices calling on Sununu to uphold the protections he once fought for.

Speaker after speaker took to the makeshift stage, sharing their personal experiences and the potential impact of the bills. Kameron Munz, a non-binary former teacher, expressed deep concern: “It’s a bill that’s regulating bullying and it’s exposing our community to additional harassment that we’re already living with. It’s very cowardly on the part of the legislators who voted to pass these bills.”

Despite the emotional appeals and the organized effort to deliver petitions with more than 500 signatures, Sununu did not meet with the activists. Instead, he issued a statement emphasizing that the issue of transgender rights is part of a larger national conversation. “I think the voices about fairness and safety are being heard not just here in New Hampshire, but across the country,” Sununu said. “And it’s something we’re going to take very seriously here.”

As the rally moved from the courthouse steps to the hallways outside Sununu’s office, the mood only intensified. As it became clear that Sununu would not be meeting with them, chants of “shame” filled the marble hallways. The emotional intensity was palpable, and it contrasted sharply with the silent, locked doors of the governor’s office.

Manchester Rep. Alissandra Murray emphasized the historical context, reminding everyone of Sununu’s 2018 stance: “We need to let him know that he needs to stand up like he did in 2018. He said it was the right thing to do then, and it’s the right thing to do now.”

The protesters, though undeterred by the lack of face-to-face meetings, remain hopeful. As Sununu’s decision on the bills approaches, they continue to advocate fervently, embodying the state’s motto: Live Free or Die Free. The question now is whether Sununu will protect the inclusive values ​​he previously espoused or succumb to pressure to roll them back. The stakes are high, and the outcome will undoubtedly resonate beyond New Hampshire, echoing in the broader national dialogue on transgender rights.