CONCORD, NH — Independent Women charts a new path forward for HB 148, which, while well-intended, was unfortunately misguided and failed to safeguard single-sex spaces. Governor Kelly Ayotte’s reasoning for vetoing the legislation validly acknowledges the bill was “overly broad and impractical to enforce.” Independent Women had been sounding the alarm throughout session that the inclusion of “gender identity” in the bill defeated the point of protecting single-sex spaces.
Independent Women has been leading the fight to define “sex” and protect women’s spaces and sports nationwide. HB 148 was a misguided attempt to do so.
Bronwyn Sims, athlete, gymnastics coach, and Independent Women’s Network member, recently testified before the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee about Bill HB 148. In her testimony, she said, in part:
“I would like to thank New Hampshire legislators for their intention to protect women’s rights, privacy, and safety. Acknowledging the biological differences between men and women and the importance of single-sex spaces is supported by over 80% of the country.
“Although HB 148 is well-intended, I do, however, caution the inclusion of the language of ‘gender identity’ in the bill. By including ‘gender identity,’ the bill opens the door to allowing men to enter women’s spaces. I encourage the New Hampshire State House to amend the bill by removing the language ‘gender identity’ to truly protect single-sex spaces.”
Beth Parlato, senior legal advisor for Independent Women’s Law Center, submitted her testimony to the New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee on May 6, 2025. In her testimony on HB 148, Parlato said, in part:
“While we understand the bill is well-intended, unfortunately it is misguided and fails to safeguard single-sex spaces. HB 148 only serves the purpose of stating it is not discrimination to establish rules based upon biological sex. It doesn’t go any further than its stated purpose. Men can legally continue to self-identify into women’s private spaces, such as restrooms, shower rooms, locker rooms, prisons, and athletics. By including ‘gender identity’ throughout the bill, it explicitly allows men to enter women’s spaces and affirms an extreme assault on the erasure of women and single-sex spaces, which over 80% of the country opposes.”
Until this bill omits the language of “gender identity,” New Hampshire women will continue to lose. The reforms made during the legislative process were a step in the right direction, but Independent Women’s Voice advocates that in order for this bill to truly protect the sexes, “gender identity” must be omitted.
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Independent Women’s Voice fights for women by expanding support for policy solutions that aren’t just well-intended, but actually preserve and advance opportunity and well-being.
