In a surprising move, Republican New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has vetoed a GOP-backed anti-transgender bill, dealing a major blow to efforts targeting trans rights in the state. The bill, S.B. 268, aimed to weaken New Hampshire’s 2018 nondiscrimination law by restricting where transgender people could use restrooms, access facilities, or participate in sports. Critics warned that the proposal was vague, unenforceable, and encouraged discrimination.
Governor Ayotte said, “I vetoed a nearly identical bill to this one last year…I made it clear this issue needed to be addressed in a thoughtful, narrow way that protects the privacy, safety, and rights of all Granite Staters.” Overriding the veto appears unlikely. While Republicans may have the numbers in the Senate, they fall short of the two-thirds majority required in the House. Queer advocates applauded the decision.
Aimee Terravechia of 603 Equality called it “a huge relief for every transgender or gender nonconforming person in New Hampshire.” Leaders from NH Outright and GLAD Law echoed that praise, saying the veto protects dignity, safety, and equal access for all Granite Staters.
