New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has signed legislation that bans transgender girls from competing in school athletics teams that align with their gender identity.
This significant legal development is part of a broader set of measures addressing transgender issues in the state.
New Legislation Details
Governor Sununu signed HB1205, a bill requiring schools to determine a student’s eligibility for youth sports based on their biological sex at birth.
This law mandates the use of birth certificates issued at or near the time of birth to verify a student’s sex.
In cases where the birth certificate does not specify the sex, students must provide additional evidence of their biological sex at birth at their own expense.
The legislation applies to sports from grades 5-12 and includes a provision allowing students who believe they have been deprived of athletic opportunities or harmed by a school’s violation of the law to seek legal recourse.
Ban on Gender Reassignment Surgery for Minors
In addition to HB1205, Sununu also signed HB619, which bans gender reassignment surgeries for minors.
This law, however, includes exceptions for surgeries addressing malformations, malignancy, injury, or physical disease, as well as male circumcisions.
Veto of Bathroom Access Restriction Bill
Governor Sununu vetoed HB396, a bill that would have allowed businesses and government entities to restrict bathroom access based on biological sex.
In his veto statement, Sununu expressed New Hampshire’s commitment to non-discrimination, stating that the bill sought to address issues not present in the state and could potentially cause unnecessary discord.
Reactions and Legal Implications
Civil rights organizations, including GLAD and the ACLU, have condemned HB1205 and HB619, labeling them unconstitutional. These organizations have pledged to challenge the implementation of these laws in court.
The legal landscape regarding transgender rights remains contentious across the United States.
While Texas has upheld a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, California has passed legislation preventing schools from disclosing students’ gender identity changes to their parents.
