After the United States Supreme Court ruled that states can enact laws prohibiting biological males from competing in women’s and girls’ sports, Gov. Kelly Ayotte and other Republicans said they were pleased with the ruling.
“It is unfair for biological males to compete in women’s sports, and as the mom of a daughter who competed in varsity sports in high school, I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision today that protects women’s sports and paves the way to enforce our law in New Hampshire prohibiting men from competing in women’s sports,” Ayotte said.
Attorney General John Formella said: “We are pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision today and believe it provides strong support for New Hampshire’s law protecting fairness in women’s and girls’ sports. We are reviewing the decision and evaluating the appropriate next steps in the pending litigation. We remain confident in the State’s position and will continue to vigorously defend HB 1205.” That bill became law: https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?id=1501&txtFormat=html&sy=2024
Following Tuesday’s decision affirming states’ authority to recognize sex-based distinctions in public policy, a group of female members of the New Hampshire House of Representatives called on Gov. Ayotte to sign HB 1442.
On June 19, Ayotte announced vetoing Senate Bill 552, one of two bathroom bills noting the other one HB 1442 hasn’t yet reached her desk. Senate Bill 552 would have permitted classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain circumstances. It passed the Senate on a party line vote of 16-8 while in the House it also passed by the Republican majority on a vote of 179-159. A copy of what passed both chambers is here SB 552 https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1340&inflect=2
The lawmakers say the ruling strengthens the ability of states to protect privacy, safety, and fairness in sex-specific spaces. HB 1442 provides schools, organizations, and institutions with the flexibility to maintain such spaces without imposing statewide mandates.
“HB 1442 doesn’t require anyone to create bathrooms or locker rooms only for biological girls and women,” said Rep. Erica Layon. “It simply clarifies that, consistent with today’s ruling, this is allowed in New Hampshire.”
Rep. Sayra DeVito added, “HB 1442 respects local control while ensuring schools and organizations can adopt policies that keep private spaces appropriate and safe.”
Rep. Lisa Mazur stated, “This bill is about common sense and protecting the dignity and privacy of everyone. I’m pleased to see Governor Ayotte’s support for the Supreme Court’s decision today, which reinforces protections for women’s sports and private spaces.”
The legislators concluded by respectfully urging Governor Ayotte to sign HB 1442, describing it as a balanced, common-sense measure that supports privacy, local decision-making, and the interests of women, girls, and families across New Hampshire.
There was no immediate response from House Democratic leaders Tuesday.
House Speaker Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, said he agreed with the ruling.
“I agree with the Supreme Court’s decision affirming the authority of states to protect women’s and girls’ sports. As Governor Ayotte has said, we must protect opportunities for female athletes and ensure they have a fair and level playing field. Today’s ruling is a victory for common sense and for the integrity of women’s sports. New Hampshire took action to preserve fairness in athletic competition, and I am pleased the Court has upheld our state’s ability to enforce that law as intended,” Packard said.
Senate President Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, released the following statement:
“As we said when we passed New Hampshire’s law, protecting female sports from biological males is a matter of fairness, safety, and common sense. Women and girls deserve a league of their own. I applaud the court’s decision to protect women’s spaces in sports.”