I made it known to NH State Rep Dave Testerman that he could explain his vote on HB396 (relative to state recognition of biological sex), which caused a lot of angst on the Right. Below is his response. We thank him for sending this in. – Skip.
I seemed to have raised an awful row in the legislature by simply saying a bill, HB396 was not ready for prime time. The supporters wanted to put that House Bill on the floor for a long and heated debate. The opponents were willing to give them that debate. I did not think this was worth our time.
And now we come to the real and avoided firestorm.
HB396 avoids the recognition of biological sex. While the intentions of the sponsors are admirable, this bill does nothing because biological sex is already listed as a choice. This bill will do nothing to prevent the crowning of a male in a beauty pageant for females. This was already done this year. This bill avoids the elephant in the room, that one can be defined as an “other”. The silence gives an acceptance to that practice. Our “new” books are filled with the recognition of “others”.
In my opinion, the sponsors of the bill would better serve their intentions by repealing the RSA’s that indicate that there are more than two biological sexes. In my opinion, the sponsors of the bill would better serve their intentions by repealing the RSA’s that indicate that there are more than two biological sexes.
The fact is the simple reason there aren’t. We just don’t want to admit it.
For these reasons I believe the bill needed more work and I voted to retain the bill in committee. With our very close margins that was possible.
If you want to have some coffee and a chat, you can reach me at (603) 320-9524 or at dave@sanbornhall.net. Enjoy this lovely Winter.
Cheers!
Dave Testerman
Representative
Merrimack District 3
Franklin
