Today, Governor Ayotte vetoed SB 552, a “bathroom ban.”  This bill would roll back some of the state’s LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination protections and lead to discrimination against transgender Granite Staters in public spaces like bathrooms. It would also pose added obstacles for business owners who will be expected to navigate this new law, for folks with mobility issues who may require the assistance of an opposite-sex care provider, and parents of children who would now need to navigate unclear enforcement protocols while utilizing public bathrooms with their children. 

Governor Ayotte vetoed identical legislation, HB 148, last year, and SB268 in February of this year. Prior to that, her predecessor Governor Sununu also vetoed a similar bill.

Advocates in New Hampshire made the following statements:

Michael Haley, Staff Attorney at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law), said, “We thank Governor Ayotte for once again rejecting this unnecessary and divisive attack on transgender Granite Staters. New Hampshire has repeatedly made clear it will not roll back the bipartisan nondiscrimination protections enacted in 2018. It is deeply troubling that a faction of extremist legislators continues to devote its time and energy to repeatedly targeting transgender people and the broader LGBTQ+ community rather than honoring bedrock New Hampshire values like freedom and fairness. We urge Governor Ayotte to remain consistent by also vetoing HB 1442, the remaining bathroom ban awaiting her action. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, classmates, and co-workers. They are legally and morally entitled to the same dignity, respect, and freedom to participate safely in public life as every other Granite Stater.”

Heidi Carrington Heath, Executive Director, NH Outright, said, “We are so pleased that Governor Ayotte held the line, and continued her commitment to veto this legislation targeting LGBTQ+ young people in the Granite State. This is not in line with Granite State values, and we look forward to a return to the many critical issues facing our state. We appreciate the Governor’s commitment to a Granite State where all young people can live free and thrive.”

Aimee Terravechia, Executive Director, 603 Equality, said, “We are happy that Governor Ayotte affirmed what we already knew to be true – that bathroom bans like these are at odds with New Hampshire values. Discriminatory legislation like SB552 unfairly targets the trans and queer community, but also has far-reaching consequences that negatively impact all Granite Staters. Bills like these make it harder for all women to access safe and private spaces, increase fear and divisiveness, and create added barriers for parents of young children and folks with mobility issues who may require assistance from care providers when navigating public restrooms. We’re hopeful that this veto will put an end to these divisionary tactics and allow our legislators to refocus on solving real issues in New Hampshire.”

Amanda Azad, Policy Director at the ACLU of New Hampshire, said, “We are glad Governor Ayotte has once again vetoed an extreme legislative attack that would have harmed our vibrant LGBTQ+ community – especially transgender Granite Staters. Fueling division and punching down should not be the focus of our state lawmakers, who this year have had 12 different hearings on six different anti-transgender bans. Instead, Granite Staters want them to focus on addressing real needs. Transgender people have always been a part of our humanity and always will be. We are grateful that the Governor vetoed this bill and urge her to do the same on a similar bill headed to her that would do the exact same thing.”