New Hampshire again considers transgender protection

(AP) — Transgender teenagers and their parents have shared their stories at a rally to support expanding New Hampshire's anti-discrimination law.

The families spoke Wednesday ahead of a public hearing on a bill that would ban discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on someone's gender identity. The same protections already exist based on sex, religion, sexual orientation and many other factors.

The bill mirrors one that lawmakers tabled last year, leaving New Hampshire as the only New England state without such protections for transgender people.

Emily Fishbaugh, of North Hampton, who transitioned as a fourth grader, said she was miserable as a young child but is now happy, living her life like any other teenage girl. And her mother, Linda, said the entire family has grown stronger.