WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today responded to former Gov. John H. Sununu, who is now Chair of the New Hampshire Republican Party, and his last ditch efforts to derail marriage and transgender anti-discrimination bills pending in the state Senate. Sununu referred to the legislation as "garbage" while speaking to the Union Leader, a New Hampshire-based newspaper.

"To call basic human rights for thousands of New Hampshire residents 'garbage' just shows how out of touch the former governor really is," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Such rhetoric is neither civil nor appropriate, and I hope it galvanizes New Hampshire to move swiftly on both these measures."

The state Senate is scheduled to hold a public hearing this Thursday, April 23, on HB 415, which would amend existing anti-discrimination and hate crimes laws to include gender identity and expression. The hearing will take place at 1 pm in Room 201 in the Legislative office building. The bill passed the House earlier this month. Allyson Robinson, HRC's Associate Director for Diversity, testified before a House committee in February.

The state House passed a marriage equality bill in March it is now pending in the Senate. HB 436, which would provide marriage equality for the state's LGBT couples. You can take action on both of these bills: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/nhmarriagediscrim.

Since 2006, HRC has invested significant staff and financial resources. By working with key political leaders, we helped elect fair-minded majorities in the state house and senate for the first time in over 100 years. In the 2008 election cycle, HRC sent staff members to New Hampshire to help elect U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and defeat former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu, his son.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.