New Hampshire Must Reject “License to Discriminate Bill” Against Same-Sex Couples

Petitions, Politics — By Diana Denza on January 27, 2012 10:16 am

Target: The New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee

Goal: To persuade New Hampshire legislators to reject a proposed bill that would legalize discrimination against married and soon-to-be married couples based on sexual orientation.

The New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee recently met to discuss a bill that would allow business owners and employees to deny services to same-sex couples simply for being gay. Known as a “License to Discriminate Bill”, the measure would legalize religious or “conscience” fueled discrimination against LGBT couples who are married or preparing to get married. The House Judiciary Committee should not stand behind this proposed bill because it would sanction discriminatory practices.

The proposal states that, “no person, including a business owner or employee thereof, shall be required to provide services…to an individual if the request is related to the solemnization, celebration, or promotion of a marriage and providing such services…would be a violation of the person’s conscience or religious faith.”

Essentially, this means that a gay couple seeking anything from a honeymoon suite to a wedding cake could be denied service from a New Hampshire business if their sexual orientation does not mesh with an owner’s –or even an employee’s– religious beliefs.

Also problematic is the proposed bill’s language. Since it does not clearly specify same-sex couples, businesses could also use it to discriminate against any kind of couple if “conscience” calls for it. However, LGBT couples are considered most at risk of bearing the brunt of this bill’s effects.

If the bill passes through New Hampshire’s largely Republican legislature, it would be a huge step backward for equality for all couples. By signing the petition below, you will tell the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee that discrimination will not be tolerated.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Chairman Rowe and New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee members,

The recent proposal that would allow businesses to turn away same-sex couples is discriminatory and wrong. Allowing business owners and employees to deny products and services to LGBT couples due to religious beliefs or “conscience” would leave an entire segment of the New Hampshire population unprotected.

LGBT people have historically been targets of prejudice. Legalizing discrimination against them would hurt countless married or engaged couples and their families.

It is imperative that you do not approve this unfair and biased bill. Please commit to taking action immediately.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]