N.H. CONCORD—
As the House passed legislation to outlaw gender reassignment surgery for minors, emotions were at an all-time high at the New Hampshire State House on Thursday.
The ban on gender reassignment surgery for juveniles was passed by a few Democrats on Thursday as they crossed the aisle.
Progressive Rep. Jonah Wheeler of Peterborough said he doesn’t see the advantage in allowing kids under the age of 18 to go through that kind of life-altering procedure.
He declared, “Until they are acknowledged as human beings, I will fight until my very next time.” However, the issue at hand is whether or not young children under the age of 18 should be eligible for these procedures. And I do not believe that is the case, despite being a progressive who supports those individual rights.
State Rep. Gerri Cannon, D-Somersworth, one of the state’s first openly transgender politicians, was among those who opposed the bill, and they warned that it might be harmful.
“It is inappropriate for New Hampshire. For the trans community, it’s not right,” she said. “I’m worried about the health of many young transgender people, so I hope our young people don’t take this message too personally.”
The bill’s supporters claimed they “sympathize” with trans children and their families.
“It’s difficult, and no one disputes that,” said state representative Erica Layon, R-Derry. “However, it is not sympathetic to be told everything is safe and effective when there is no data and they are still attempting to understand how it affects you. It is not considerate.”
The state Senate will now hear the bill. At the New Hampshire State House, LGBT rights activists referred to today as a “dark morning.” They are hoping that the governor’s veto pen will be able to stop the bill if needed.
“I have faith that Gov. Sununu will follow in the governor of Ohio’s footsteps, Mike DeWine, and veto legislation that harms trans people in New Hampshire,” said Chris Erchull, a GLAD attorney.
