Two big news items for #TransBillNH today.

First, HB 1319 has been scheduled for a hearing in the Judiciary Committee at 1PM on Wednesday, January 31.  

This year, like last year, we’ll need show our grassroots strength during the hearing. If you’re interested in being in the room to help show lawmakers that Granite Staters want fairness for our transgender neighbors and friends, RSVP and share why you support #TransBillNH.

Second, we’re having a major kickoff event on Wednesday, January 17 at 12PM to celebrate the momentum our bill has picked up so far, and to announce its official introduction for consideration during the 2018 legislative session.

Confirmed speakers for that event are:

• David Juvet, Senior Vice President of Public Policy of the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire.
• Sarah Mattson Dustin, Director of Policy of the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation.
• Kenzo Morris, a transgender father living in Gilmanton with his wife and two daughters.
• Gerri Cannon, a Somersworth School Board Member and one of seven transgender candidates who won historic elections last November.
• Jess MacFadzen, a transgender veteran and state police dispatcher who transitioned on the job working for the New Hampshire State Police.
• Ed Butler (D-Hart’s Location), lead sponsor of HB 1319.

Support for this bill has been broad, bipartisan, and unprecedented. Last year, a Republican-led committee recommended our bill overwhelmingly to the full House. Unfortunately, the House didn’t pass it — but a bipartisan group of 179 lawmakers stood with us, the first time such a bill has advanced in a Republican-led legislature.

This year, HB 1319 has received influential endorsements from the legislative Children’s Caucus and the editorial board of the Portsmouth Herald. And Governor Sununu has created an advisory council to tackle discrimination, including anti-transgender discrimination.

Clearly, 2018 is the year that we can pass #TransBillNH — but we need everyone working together to do that. Join us at the committee hearing on January 31st and show that you’re with us!