In New Hampshire, the state Senate is preparing to vote on multiple proposals that have sparked debate over their potential impact on transgender and gender-diverse youth. The focal point is House Bill 396, which seeks to introduce exemptions to the 2018 non-discrimination law by allowing public and private entities to separate bathrooms, locker rooms, sports, and detention facilities based on "biological sex" rather than gender identity.
Tom Huckman, a resident of Ossipee and parent of a transgender daughter, recalls personally thanking Governor Chris Sununu for signing the non-discrimination bill in 2018. Huckman has called on Sununu to oppose HB 396, citing concerns over the safety and dignity of transgender youth.
Other pending bills include HB 1312, which mandates parental notification for educational material on human sexuality; HB 619, which bans genital gender reassignment surgery for minors; HB 1660, which prevents Medicaid from funding such surgeries; and HB 1205, which requires sports teams to be divided based on the sex listed on birth certificates.
Governor Sununu has not publicly committed to a stance on these bills, indicating he will review the final versions if they reach his desk.
In a separate case, Jessica Tapia settled a lawsuit with the Jurupa Unified School District in California for $360,000. Tapia, a former gym teacher, claimed she was wrongfully terminated for refusing to follow district policies regarding transgender students, citing her Christian beliefs. The settlement includes $285,000 to Tapia and $75,000 for her legal fees, but the district did not admit to any wrongdoing. Tapia and Advocates for Faith & Freedom have since launched the “Teachers Don’t Lie” initiative to support teachers facing similar issues.