Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee will take up House Bill 1319, a piece of legislation that will provide protections for transgender residents seeking employment, access to housing, access to public places and equal treatment.

Freedom New Hampshire, a nonpartisan coalition, and other Granite Staters have been hard at work to raise awareness for this bill and to advocate for its approval.

Earlier this year, dozens of people offered testimony in support of the legislation, and Gov. Chris Sununu even has said he will sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk.

While this is certainly a groundswell of support, there still are those who say a piece of legislation like this is not needed.

To the contrary, those in the transgender community have and continue to face discrimination on many levels.

According to Freedom New Hampshire, 15 percent of New Hampshire respondents who have ever been employed reported losing a job because of their gender identity. Many more have faced difficulty in obtaining housing and mistreatment in some form.

Another staggering statistic is that 54 percent of people surveyed in the transgender community have said they have avoided using a public restroom in the past year because they were afraid of confrontations or other problems they might experience.

This is absolutely unacceptable, especially in this day and age. Transgender Granite Staters deserve better. They, like us all, are part of one big community that should remain supportive of one another.

This issue has gone on for far too long. Equal rights are guaranteed to us all, regardless of race, economic status, religion or gender.

Prior to today’s hearing, supporters of anti-discrimination legislation in New Hampshire will host a rally in front of the State House.

Law enforcement officers, business leaders, women’s and anti-violence advocates, faith leaders and transgender citizens and their families will all be in attendance.

We urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to approve this bill so that it can come before the entire Senate for a vote before May 3.

This is, perhaps, one of the most important pieces of legislation to be taken up this year, because it involves basic human rights – for all – that should never be withheld or curbed.

It’s time our elected officials give this legislation the attention it deserves.