June 19th The Governor vetoes SB 552 – A Common – sense bill that protected the privacy of women and girls in NH locker room, restrooms, prisons and athletic competitions

Dear Fellow Granite Stater,
We have disappointing news to share. On Friday, June 19, Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoed SB 552 — a common-sense bill that simply protected the privacy and safety of women and girls in New Hampshire’s locker rooms, restrooms, prisons, and athletic competitions.

Governor Ayotte Vetoes Protections for
Women and Girls

SB 552 was not a “bathroom bill.” It did not mandate anything. It did not create new restrictions or punish anyone. It simply clarified that New Hampshire’s public institutions are permitted to recognize biological sex — in athletic competitions, prisons, locker rooms, and other places of intimate privacy. Without it, school administrators told parents their hands were tied when male students who identify as girls demanded access to girls’ locker rooms.

This bill was about real girls in real situations — teenagers who deserve privacy and dignity in their locker rooms. It was about women in New Hampshire’s prisons, who are among the most vulnerable people in our state. It was a protection, not a prohibition.

Both chambers of the Legislature agreed. The Senate passed it 16–8. The House passed it 179–159. A New Hampshire Journal poll found that 74% of Granite Staters believe biological sex separation should be permitted in restrooms and locker rooms, and 59% say the same for school sports. The Governor’s veto does not reflect where New Hampshire families stand.

In her veto statement, Governor Ayotte wrote:“I have continued to ask the Legislature to address this issue in a thoughtful, narrow way while protecting the privacy, safety, and rights of all Granite Staters. Unfortunately, there is minimal difference between this bill, the bill I vetoed earlier this year, the one I vetoed last year, and the one vetoed in 2024 by Governor Sununu. Trying the same thing again isn’t going to get a different result. For this reason, I have vetoed Senate Bill 552.”

Governor Ayotte says she has asked the Legislature to address this issue in a “thoughtful, narrow way.” We have gently asked: what would that look like? SB 552 did not mandate anything. It did not create a new policy. It simply said that public institutions may recognize biological sex in contexts of intimate privacy. It is difficult to imagine a more narrow, more restrained approach to this issue. If SB 552 was not narrow enough, the Governor has yet to say what would be.

The girls in New Hampshire’s locker rooms cannot wait for a more perfect bill. The women in New Hampshire’s prisons are not asking for more negotiations. They are asking for basic protections that three-quarters of Granite Staters already believe they deserve. We urge Governor Ayotte to reconsider — and we urge you to let her know where you stand.

Make Your Voice HeardPlease contact Governor Ayotte’s office today and respectfully let her know that New Hampshire families stand with the women and girls this bill was designed to protect.
Governor’s Office: (603) 271-2121Sample script:

“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [TOWN]. I’m calling to express my disappointment that Governor Ayotte vetoed SB 552. This bill simply protected the privacy and safety of women and girls in New Hampshire’s locker rooms, prisons, and athletic programs. It wasn’t a mandate — it was a protection. Seventy-four percent of Granite Staters support this kind of common-sense measure. I urge the Governor to reconsider her position. Thank you.”Contact Governor Ayotte →

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.”— Proverbs 31:8–9 (NIV)

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