HB 1431, New Hampshire’s version of a “Don’t Say Gay” ‘parental rights’ bill, creates unsafe learning environments for students, risks their mental health, and undermines the state’s obligation to provide an adequate and inclusive education for all New Hampshire students

CONCORD, NH – Today, the NH State House announced it non-concurred with the NH Senate and requested a committee of conference on HB 1431, a so-called ‘parental bill of rights’ that removes community protections for children. The bill is strongly opposed by advocates for public education, child welfare, and LGBTQ rights; all raised serious concerns during the legislative process that the bill will put children at risk and limit the opportunity for students to reach out to trusted adults at school if they are in a vulnerable or dangerous situation.

The LGBTQ community is especially concerned about HB 1431 as the bill would require mandatory, immediate disclosure to parents about student club and extracurricular activities, school counselor visits, and changes in gender identity and expression at school. This will cause harm to LGBTQ students and undermine school efforts to create an affirming learning environment for all students.

Advocates will hold a virtual briefing today on HB 1431’s dangerous impacts for LGBTQ+ youth. The live webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, May 11 at 3:00 PM and is available upon request post-briefing.

WHAT:          Briefing on HB 1431’s Dangerous Impacts for LGBTQ+ Youth

WHEN:           Wednesday, May 11 at 3:00 PM; available upon request post-briefing

WHERE:         Register for virtual briefing here

WHO:             Panelists Chris Erchull, Staff Attorney, GLAD; Jessica Goff, Coordinator of Community Programming and Engagement, Seacoast Outright; and Linds Jakows, Co-Director, TransAction NH; Moderated by Sarah Robinson, Education Justice Campaign Director, Granite State Progress

Background: HB 1431 would remove community protections for children. It gives a parent the final word on their child’s health, education, and welfare – even if it meant the child was put at risk or danger. For LGBTQ+ youth, this includes requiring mandatory, immediate disclosure to parents about changes in gender identity and expression at school – causing harm to LGBTQ+ students and undermining school efforts to create affirming, inclusive learning environments.

Every child deserves a safe, healthy, and affirming home environment, but when that is not possible – or when a child is not yet ready to have a conversation with their family about their identity – schools should not be put in the place of outing that student and potentially putting the child at risk. More than 50% of LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered suicide, and a key factor in mental health and homelessness rates among LGBTQ+ youth is related to the lack of family acceptance. We need to send a strong message to LGBTQ+ youth that they belong and are protected in New Hampshire.