CONCORD, N.H. — Republican Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire has signed a bill that would ban transgender athletes in grades 5-12 from teams that align with their gender identity, adding the state to nearly half in the nation that adopted similar measures.
The bill passed by the Republican-led Legislature would require schools to designate all teams as either girls, boys or coed, with eligibility determined based on students’ birth certificates “or other evidence.” Supporters of the legislation said they wanted to protect girls from being injured by larger and stronger transgender athletes.
Sununu signed the bill Friday, saying in a statement it “ensures fairness and safety in women’s sports by maintaining integrity and competitive balance in athletic competitions.” It takes effect in 30 days.
Megan Tuttle, president of NEA-New Hampshire, a union representing public school employees, criticized Sununu.
“Public schools should be safe, welcoming environments for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” she said in a statement. “Shame on Governor Sununu for signing into law this legislation that excludes students from athletics, which can help foster a sense of belonging that is so critical for young people to thrive.”
Sununu also signed a bill Friday that would ban gender-affirming surgeries for transgender minors. That takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The care has been available in the United States for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations.
“This bill focuses on protecting the health and safety of New Hampshire’s children and has earned bipartisan support,” Sununu wrote.
Sununu vetoed another measure that would have allowed public and private entities to differentiate on the basis of “biological sex” in multiperson bathrooms and locker rooms, athletic events and detention facilities. Sununu noted a law enacted in 2018, that banned discrimination in employment, public accommodations and housing based on gender identity. He said the challenge with the current bill “is that in some cases it seeks to solve problems that have not presented themselves in New Hampshire, and in doing so, invites unnecessary discord.”
On June 25, 2021, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed a controversial bill into law that prohibits transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports. The bill, known as HB 198, has sparked intense debate and drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and civil rights groups.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure fair competition in girls’ sports and protect opportunities for female athletes. They claim that allowing transgender girls to compete against cisgender girls could give them an unfair advantage due to differences in physical strength and athleticism.
However, opponents of the bill argue that it is discriminatory and targets transgender individuals, who already face significant barriers and discrimination in society. They argue that transgender girls should have the right to participate in sports according to their gender identity, and that excluding them from girls’ sports is harmful and unjust.
The passage of HB 198 in New Hampshire is part of a broader trend of states enacting legislation that restricts the rights of transgender individuals, particularly in the realm of sports. According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 33 states have introduced bills this year that aim to limit transgender individuals’ access to sports or healthcare.
Critics of these bills argue that they are based on misinformation and prejudice, rather than evidence-based policy. Studies have shown that transgender girls do not have an inherent advantage over cisgender girls in sports, and that excluding them from girls’ teams can have negative consequences for their mental health and well-being.
In response to the passage of HB 198, LGBTQ+ advocates in New Hampshire have vowed to continue fighting for the rights of transgender individuals and challenging discriminatory legislation. They are calling on Governor Sununu to reconsider his decision and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Overall, the passage of HB 198 in New Hampshire highlights the ongoing debate over transgender rights and the need for greater understanding and acceptance of gender diversity in sports and society as a whole. It is a reminder of the importance of standing up against discrimination and advocating for equality for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
