New Hampshire is giving us two more fantastic reasons to celebrate pride month.
They have officially outlawed gender-based discrimination as well as gay conversion therapy for minors. What's even more incredible is that the man who signed the bills banning this happens to be a Republican.
Republican Gov. Chris Sununu signed the corresponding bills (House Bill 1319, House Bill 587) into law on Friday, even though he did this against the advisement of his social conservative supporters and faith-based constituency according to local affiliate WMUR.
He was, however, praised for doing this by civil libertarians and LGBTQ rights advocates who praised the Republican chief executive.
“Discrimination – in any form – is unacceptable and runs contrary to New Hampshire’s Live Free or Die Spirit,” Sununu said in a statement after signing HB 1319. "If we really want to be the ‘Live Free or Die’ state, we must ensure that New Hampshire is a place where every person, regardless of their background, has an equal and full opportunity to pursue their dreams and to make a better life for themselves and their families."
“This bill will ensure equal rights, equal opportunity, and nondiscrimination protections in the areas of housing and employment," Sununu also said. The law takes effect on July 8th. New Hampshire will become the 19th state nationally to provide nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity in housing, employment and public accommodations.
The transgender rights bill passed the New Hampshire House and Senate with all Democrats in favor and significant majority Republican support. The conversion therapy ban, on the other hand, passed the House, 179-171, and the Senate, 14-10.