HB1564

I am a registered New Hampshire voter, asking you to OPPOSE this bill. Thank you.

You cannot remove gender identity from all statutes.. this sets a very dangerous precedent to hurt the people of New Hampshire. It is cruel because it harms all walks of life.. it is discriminatory and it is deliberate against members of the LGBTQ plus community. It is a backhanded way to attack the people of the state of New Hampshire, I oppose this bill.

This bill is cruel and disgusting. We don't need more discrimination in this state.

I vehemently oppose HB 1564. Removing protection for people based on their gender identity sets us back as a society and puts those who engage in the freedom of personal expression to be discriminated against. Which trait will be removed from this list next? Race? Color? Sexual orientation? Ethnic background? Marital status? This bill not only takes away protections based on gender identity; it sets up a precedent for us to remove protections for others. Do not pass HB 1564.

Not appropriate! This is blatant discrimination against trans and other LGBTQ+ persons. This is against civil rights and will put LGBTQ+ persons in much greater jeopardy. They are already subject to much greater violence than the rest of the population. This is incredibly inhumane and shame on the sponsors!

Transgender people have existed across cultures and across millennia. We've gone by different names, but we've always been a fixture of the human race and human variability. To pretend otherwise, and strike us from human rights protections is naked discrimination.

Eliminating "gender identity" from statutes is dehumanizing and will open the door for trans people to be discriminated against by employers, landlords, jobs, police, and other aspects of their everyday life. This bill is discriminatory and does not deserve to be passed. This bill completely strips away trans people's rights and allows for them to be discriminated against because of who they are.

I James Karoutsos of Manchester, NH oppose this bill.

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Gender identity is a core component of identity. For those of us who have never questioned or been aware that our gender identity was different than the one we were assigned, it can be hard to grasp the importance of this in our lives and the many areas of life that are affected. You can erase it from legislation but you cannot erase the crucial importance of gender identity. Be on the right side of history and defeat this bill!

Reasons to oppose the bill include: - Removal of Anti-Discrimination Protections: The bill eliminates "gender identity" from laws that protect residents from discrimination. - Targeting of Vulnerable Groups: It is considered part of a broader, discriminatory agenda in the 2026 legislative session that targets LGBTQ+ people. - Systemic Erasure: By removing the term "gender identity" from all state statutes, the bill seeks to legally erase recognition of transgender individuals in state law. Key Fiscal Objections: - Shifting Tax Burden: Similar to other proposed tax policy shifts, opponents the bill could reduce revenue at the state level, placing further pressure on local municipalities to raise property taxes. - Revenue Uncertainty: If the bill alters tax structures, it creates uncertain or insufficient revenue streams to fund state programs without cutting services. - Administrative/Compliance Costs: Any new requirements or regulatory changes introduced by the bill could create additional administrative costs for state agencies or private entities. - Economic Impact on Specific Sectors: If the bill affects industry-specific taxes or fees, it creates an uncompetitive environment. Data regarding the specific, isolated revenue contribution of transgender community members in New Hampshire is not explicitly separated in public reporting, but they are part of the broader, significant LGBTQ+ economic impact in the state. Key findings regarding the economic contribution of the LGBTQ+ community in New Hampshire include: - Total Economic Impact: Roughly 4.7% of New Hampshire residents identify as LGBTQ+, contributing to a total estimated personal income of $3.9 billion in the state. - Economic Growth: Studies suggest that inclusive policies, which protect transgender and queer individuals, have helped the state's economy, with one estimate suggesting a 3% boost in economic growth ($2.5 billion) linked to such an approach. - Business Impact: When LGBTQ+ employees do not feel welcome, employee turnover costs companies an average of $10,208 per employee in New Hampshire. Alienating the queer community in New Hampshire presents significant fiscal risks, potentially threatening billions of dollars in economic activity, reducing workforce recruitment, and endangering state funding for education. Research suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals contribute roughly $3.9 billion in personal income to the state economy. Potential fiscal impacts of anti-LGBTQ+ policies or sentiment include: 1. Direct Economic and Workforce Impact - Reduced Economic Growth: Inclusive, non-discriminatory environments are linked to economic growth. One estimate suggests LGBTQ+ inclusion has contributed to a 3%—or $2.5 billion—increase in New Hampshire's economy. - Workforce Shortages and Recruitment Challenges: Business leaders have noted that anti-LGBTQ+ legislation tarnishes the state's reputation, making it harder to recruit and retain talent. - High Turnover Costs: When employees do not feel welcomed, they are more likely to leave. Replacing an employee in New Hampshire costs an average of $10,208, and up to $383,932 for senior executives. - Reduced Tourism Revenue: Tourism is a major revenue driver in New Hampshire ($2.3 billion in summer 2023). An unwelcoming environment could cause LGBTQ+ travelers, a high-spending demographic, to choose other destinations. 2. State Funding and Institutional Risks - Loss of Public Education Funding: Anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) legislation could risk millions in state and federal funding for schools. One estimate indicates that vague, restrictive legislation could jeopardize over $1 billion in annual state aid to public school districts. - Higher Costs for Families: Lack of protections (discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare) results in higher poverty rates, reduced income, and increased financial strain on families. - Healthcare Industry Impact: Proposed restrictions on gender-affirming care could cause medical providers to leave the state or lose their licenses, affecting healthcare revenue and access to care. 3. Long-term Economic Consequences - Brain Drain: If LGBTQ+ individuals and allies feel unsafe or unwelcome, they may move to more inclusive states, leading to a loss of skilled labor, entrepreneurs, and taxpayers. - Reduced Innovation: The "creative class" and innovative industries often thrive in diverse, inclusive environments. Hostility toward these communities can stifle local innovation and economic dynamism. Business groups have argued that such legislation is counter-productive to addressing existing workforce challenges. Is this really a demographic that NH can afford to alienate?

I oppose

This is dangerous. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean it isn't real.

Dear members of the House Judiciary, I am strongly against the proposed removal of gender identity in state statutes; it is a disappointing attempt to walk back civil rights in our state. How is this beneficial to the citizens of NH? Transgender, non-binary, and intersex citizens are a minority group deserving of equal protection from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. It couldn’t be more wrong and harmful to open the door to legal discrimination. I urge you vote for equal protection under the law by opposing HB1564. Thank you for your time and consideration, Theresa Vaillancourt Goffstown, NH

This bill is pro-discrimination. Recent history makes it clear that people in power will start discriminating a whole lot more the minute the existing legal protections (which are already not enough) are gutted. This includes in life-or-death areas like housing and healthcare. Please oppose this bill.

I would like to know why my state legislature thinks it is appropriate, let alone acceptable, to deny my friends, colleagues, neighbors, the owners of the stores I frequent, church members, and close associates the most basic dignity a society can impart. I'd like to know why the state believes that removing fundamental protections is a net positive for anyone, including the non-trans community who also face gender-based discrimination. And I would especially like to know why my tax dollars are financing the erasure of society's protections instead of addressing the myriad of tangible challenges our state faces. I oppose HB1564 vehemently, and would compel this committee vote ITL.

I am Rabbi Jonathan Spira-Savett, serving Temple Beth Abraham in Nashua where I also live. I want to add my voice in opposition to HB 1564 particularly as a person of faith and a leader of a faith community. I do not believe that faith itself one way or another should determine law and public policy. But I know that much opposition to protecting people of all gender identities, and in particular Trans people, comes from a reading of the Bible. I am a person whose life is very rooted in the Bible, and the way my Jewish group interprets the Torah, Trans people and all LGBTQ+ people are created in the Divine image as are all of us, and are entitled to every aspect of human dignity, respect, and equality and protection under the law. Even people within Judaism who interpret our religious laws otherwise oppose discrimination on the basis of gender identity in civil law. I would be happy to talk about this with any of you for whom this is relevant to your vote -- rabbijon@tbanashua.org. Please consider this testimony as you consider all similar bills before your committee. Thank you for taking my testimony and for your service.

I urgently, abhorrently, and vehemently oppose this bill. I'm a gender non conforming person, but I like to think that one of the least interesting things about me, as a person. As it is with every cisgender person. I think personality counts for much more, though I do understand there can be some intersection in the two. I don't understand. In a world and a year where there's so much else that critically needs legislative attention, why we keep coming back to attempting to legislate people's identities. Especially, when the governor has vetoed similar bills both last year and this year. Any overt attacks on identity like this haven't gotten past that point to become law. While there may be much I disagree with Governor Ayotte about, we can agree that everyone deserves the dignity of self identity. Each of us alone is the final authority on who we are. And individual identity is something that I thought was celebrated in this state. Is this the Live Free Or Die state? I could've sworn that was the state motto. I was born and raised in this state. I have never lived anywhere else. I've always felt as though I could truly be myself here and I don't intend to let that change. These bills are not genuinely, at their hearts, about keeping public or private spaces safe. They are about fear. I understand that it can be hard to understand a community that you're not a part of and don't necessarily have a connection to. But that fear doesn't absolve you from attempting to legislate a minority population out of existence. And such attempts will not be successful. Gay, queer, trans, and gender nonconforming people will continue to exist; beyond what these pieces of legislation attempt to tell us about our existence. It is very shameful that lawmakers keep trying legislative attacks like this. These bills are solutions looking for problems. No one is harmed by the mentions of gender identity in any of New Hampshire's statutes. Certainly no lawmakers of this state. The existence of other gender identities does not negate the genders that already exist. Many people would be harmed by the removal of references to gender identities in New Hampshire statutes, myself included. This would be opening the door and immediately testing the boundaries of further discrimination against the LGBTQ community in the future. There were four other bills heard by the committee just today that are blatant attacks on LGBTQ Granite Staters. The LGBTQ community doesn't cause any harm to the Granite State, so the sudden and aggressive attempted legislative stranglehold against us makes no sense.

Foster children should be vaccinated for their own protection and to protect the families that welcome them, schoolmates, and the community.

I can't think of a crueler people than the sponsors of this bill.

HB 1564 is the most sweeping of the five bills being discussed today - as it would erase gender identity as a protected category entirely from New Hampshire law, leaving transgender residents with no recourse against discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodations. New Hampshire added gender identity protections after years of community advocacy, with broad bipartisan support. Stripping those protections now does not reflect the values of the Granite State, and it reflects the targeting of a minority group for legislative erasure. Removing legal protections from any group of people is a serious step backward for this state. I urge this committee in the strongest possible terms to vote Inexpedient to Legislate.

This is a truly hateful bill. It would remove all existing protections in NH law for people who might be targeted, discriminated against or otherwise mistreated based on their gender identity. Why would we do this? Isn't this the "Live Free or Die" state? What happened to the "Live Free" part?

This bill is clearly target our trans people that should be allowed to freely and happily exist in the LIVE FREE OR DIE state. The bill makes clearly over and over than a trans individual can be fired, denied education, and even denied cable services just for existing. And yet we someone who is a literal neo-nazi would be more protected,