HB 396: Relative to the State Recognition of Biological Sex
SUMMARY: HB 396 is a straightforward bill that preserves the state’s ability to differentiate between biological sexes in areas such as athletic competitions, prisons, restrooms, or places of intimate privacy.
STATUS: There was a public hearing on HB 396 on Thursday, January 26 before the House Judiciary Committee. We’ve heard from many parents in multiple school districts that their daughters’ privacy is being violated by biological males in intimate spaces such as restrooms and locker rooms. Cornerstone has worked diligently to advance a bill to address these threats to the safety of our women and children.
On Thursday night, a parade of progressive and transgender activists showed up to voice their opposition to the bill, as well as many powerful lobbying groups, and Governor Sununu’s far-left, activist DOJ, which opposes any separation between the biological sexes in sports or private spaces.
However, only one brave parent, Samia, showed up to testify in favor of HB 396 and stand up for her daughter’s rights and safety. Speaking on the current lack of clarity surrounding places of intimate privacy, Samia states, “We are exposing… little girls to potential danger or discomfort. Our state needs clear guidance that addresses genitalia not gender identity.” Her testimony is linked here.
One of our adversaries, who testified against HB 396, expressed he was a busy dad, but stated, “I have lots of other places I need to be, but I really needed to be here.” If we succeed, it will only be because of more individuals like Samia who are willing to act and speak with the same dedication for women’s rights, privacy, and safety. The Judiciary Committee will now vote to either recommend the bill to the full House as OTP (Ought to Pass) or ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate). This is the first step in passing or defeating a bill.
CORNERSTONE POSITION: Cornerstone SUPPORTS this bill.
WHY: HB 396 is needed to clarify that nothing in New Hampshire law prevents public facilities from differentiating between the biological sexes in athletic competitions, prisons, locker rooms, restrooms, or places of intimate privacy.
New Hampshire currently has liberal laws regarding gender and state ID, allowing Granite Staters to freely select whatever gender they choose on their drivers’ licenses. Elsewhere in the country, liberal federal courts are interpreting similar state laws to mandate that any distinction between the sexes must be made according to personal identity without regard to any other qualifiers such as whether someone has even received medical transitioning. This bill seeks to rectify the potential misapplication of similar laws in New Hampshire.
This bill is an identical copy of HB 1180, which narrowly failed passing the NH House last year. You can read a full analysis of that bill here.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
There is still time to voice your support of HB 396 before the Judiciary Committee casts their vote. If you or someone close to you has been affected by biological males in women’s intimate spaces in New Hampshire, please contact the House Judiciary Committee. While you can no longer register your support of the bill or testify in person, you can still make your voice heard by calling the committee.
Please call the committee at 603-271-3529, as calling is the most effective way to make your voice heard. However, if you cannot call the committee, we encourage you to email testimony and support to the members. You can find the Judiciary Committee contact info here or email the full committee at
HouseJudiciaryCommittee@leg.
Continue the Fight For Religious Liberty HB 63: relative to religious use of land and structures. STATUS: There was a public hearing for HB 63 on January 18, for which individuals could submit opposition or testimony. The bill will now be voted on by the House Judiciary Committee. The committee votes to either recommend the bill to the full House as OTP (Ought to Pass) or ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate). This is the first step in passing or defeating a bill. WHEN: The House Judiciary Committee will vote on HB 63 on January 30, at 1:00 PM. Tune into the the live stream here. CORNERSTONE POSITION: Cornerstone OPPOSES this bill. Cornerstone SUPPORTS the amendment proposed by Rep. Maureen Mooney of Merrimack. WHY: Although this bill’s text may sound neutral to someone unfamiliar with the relevant legal issues, in its legal substance the bill would repeal all of the protections provided by RSA 674:76 and allow churches to once against be targeted by municipalities. While HB 63 must be stopped in its current form, one harmless aspect of the bill would, in effect, invite religious organizations to help provide care for the homeless if they choose to do so. We of course have no objection to this provision. Rep. Maureen Mooney, a Cornerstone-endorsed House representative, is introducing a Judiciary Committee amendment which would preserve this unobjectionable aspect of the bill while removing the bill’s discriminatory content. If you choose to submit written testimony via email, we encourage you to register your support for Rep. Mooney’s amendment while opposing the remainder of the bill. WHAT YOU CAN DO: There is still time to voice your opposition of HB 63 before the Judiciary Committee casts their vote. While you can no longer register your support of the bill or testify in person, you can still stand up for religious liberty by calling the committee. Please call the committee at 603-271-3529, as calling is the most effective way to make your voice heard. However, if you cannot call the committee, we encourage you to email testimony and support to the members. You can find the Judiciary Committee contact info here or email the full committee at |
