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Heated testimony in Concord as bill would let institutions limit access by biological sex
Summary
Supporters said Senate Bill 268 lets schools, businesses and prisons protect single‑sex spaces; opponents said the bill is vague, risks harm to transgender people and could invite litigation. The House Judiciary Committee recessed the hearing after extended testimony and set follow‑ups.
The House Judiciary Committee heard hours of testimony on Senate Bill 268, a proposal that would allow public and private institutions to designate facilities and programs by "biological sex," with sponsors and supporters saying the measure preserves privacy and safety in single‑sex spaces and opponents saying it is vague, legally risky and harmful to transgender people.
Sen. Kevin Avard, prime sponsor, told the committee the bill "allows public and private institutions to protect women only spaces" and described the measure as "enabling legislation" that would not mandate action but would shield institutions from discrimination suits if they limited access to restrooms, locker rooms, athletic activities or confinement by biological male or female status.
Representative Alice Wade (D‑Dover) and other opponents gave personal testimony about people they said would be harmed by the bill. "People like Danny Davis are getting caught up in the crossfire," said Wade, recounting a witness account of an…
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