NHFTM Action Center
Senate Judiciary vote

 The New Hampshire Senate Judiciary committee will be voting on HB436 (marriage equality)and HB415 anti-discrimination. Their are committee members who have not decided how they will vote. We need a positive vote from the committee to pass the Senate. Please contact committee members and tell them why you support marriage equality and ending discrimination. The vote is going to be close and they need to hear from you before they vote.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Its time to do the right thing.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to you today regarding 2 bills before you, House Bills 436 and 415. I am writing to you to request your support for both these bills. Regarding HB436, I believe in granting marriage equality to gays and lesbians. I want to end discrimination and the segregation of gay/lesbian families by urging you to pass HB 436 and marriage equality. Excluding gay/lesbian couples from marriage or segregating them with separate institutions, like civil unions -- marks them and their children as less worthy than other citizens. Children of gay/lesbian couples are harmed when their families are treated as less worthy. HB436 upholds freedom of religion. This bill is about civil marriage, and leaves decisions about religious ceremonies to faith leaders.

Regarding HB415, this bill defines gender identity and expression and adds it to the list of classes of people protected from discrimination. Discrimination is always wrong. No one should be fired from their job or targeted for a "Hate Crime" due to gender identity or expression. 13 States and Washington DC already have transgender inclusive laws.

NH's motto is "Live Free or Die." I believe that most people, when called upon, will do the right thing. In this case, do the right thing and support marriage equality and an end to discrimination on the basis of gender identity/expression.

Thank you for your time and I hope that you will support these bills.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 17, 2009


Background Information

 

Now is the time to end discrimination!

Equality under the law for all New Hampshire citizens.

HB436

The Government of the State of New Hampshire discriminates and segregates tens of thousands of gay and lesbian citizens.

 Civil Unions are a legal status created solely for gay/lesbian couples. There are significant inequities in the way the law treats marriages and civil unions.

New Hampshire Law

In New Hampshire a couple in a civil union are not considered spouses in regards to the following programs: Food Stamp Program, Medicaid, Healthy Kids Gold or Silver, Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, Nursing Facility assistance, Home and community-Based Care, and Medicaid for Employed Adults with Disabilities, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Child Care. 

Federal Law 

There are 1,138 federal law's that deal with the benefits and protections linked to marriage (including Social Security) that civil unions do not confer. While federal law must be challenged for gay/lesbian couples to access these rights, with civil unions no challenge is possible.

Rights Stop at the State Line

Marriages are respected from state to state, not so with civil unions. Gay/lesbian couples are unable to move or travel and be assured their relationships are protected.

HB415

This bill is absolutely necessary and good for all of New Hampshire.

 

  • Business owners, landlords and employers need explicit and clear protections, so they know in advance how to conduct themselves and their business activities.  Without clear protections, individual citizens have no way to know in advance what is unlawful. 

 

  • Valuing the individual and opposing discrimination are mainstream New Hampshire values and strengthens all of New Hampshire.  For example, protection from discrimination allow transgender people be more productive workers, more engaged citizens, better parents, and more attentive students. 

 

  • Non-discrimination policies, which emphasize professional qualifications and not personal characteristics, will help New Hampshire attract and retain the best employees.  Several of NH's major employers, including Bank of America, Walgreens, and American Airlines already include gender identity/expression in their non-discrimination policies.  University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth University already prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender Identity/ expression so that they can attract, and retain, the most qualified students.