CARNAL NATION

Last week, the New Hampshire State House of Representatives failed to pass by 172-157 a bill to extend protection to transgender individuals under the state's anti-discrimination and hate-crimes laws. Appallingly nicknamed the "Bathroom Bill" by opponents, HB 415 has been reconsidered by the House and passed by one vote, reports the Manchester Union Leader. The bill allows individuals to bring actions at the Human Rights Commission when they feel they have been discriminated against on the basis of their sexual identity, or the way they express it, such as with their clothing or makeup. Gov. John Lynch did not endorse the bill after its passage. His spokesman, Colin Manning, said, "We have a comprehensive anti-discrimination law here in New Hampshire. We are not convinced that the concerns raised by the supporters of this legislation aren't already covered under existing law." After more than three hours of debate that opened today's session, the House voted 188-187 to pass the bill. "New Hampshire and the New Hampshire General Court has always stood against discrimination. Somewhere along the way, that message got lost on this bill," said Speaker of the House Terie Norelli, D-Portsmouth. "We're not asking you to open up bathrooms to sexual predators. We're asking you to stand tall against discrimination."

The bill adds the words "gender identity or expression" to the state's anti-discrimination laws that protect people from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, and national origin. Well, it's about time for a state with the motto "Live Free or Die." Now, on to the gay marriage bill. Remember that motto, all you Liberterians. Though you'd consider me a flatlander now, I have faith in the citizens of the state where I was born.