Ask Governor Gianforte to Veto HB 121
Governor Gianforte
Sign the petition to have your name or your organization's name added to the veto letter below:
Dear Governor Gianforte,
The Free and Fair Coalition and our allies, signed below, respectfully urge you to veto House Bill 121.
House Bill 121 compromises the safety, privacy, and dignity of intersex, transgender, Two Spirit, and gender non-conforming Montanans.
We oppose House Bill 121 because it does not address or reflect any real problems that exist in Montana. There is no clear evidence of safety concerns related to Montanans using the restrooms, sleeping quarters, and changing rooms that are in line with their identity. House Bill 121 is based entirely on unfounded fear, as opposed to any substantial evidence of harm. Singling out and policing certain bodies does nothing to increase safety, and in fact, it does nothing to increase privacy.
In addition, House Bill 121 is poised to harm survivors of domestic violence and their families. The immediate effective date means that the shelters who serve these vulnerable individuals will be forced to commit significant time and resources to comply with its provisions. These organizations are not funded to undergo costly renovations, nor are organizations interested in discriminating against transgender, non-binary, and intersex Montanans.
The proponents of House Bill 121 have touted its intent to protect women and girls with no evidence that the bill will make people safe.In 2016, over 300 domestic violence shelters nationwide published a statement condemning similar types of legislation, stating “We cannot stand by while the needs of survivors, both those who are transgender and those who are not, are obscured in order to push a political agenda that does nothing to serve and protect victims and potential victims.”
Furthermore, as Montanans, we pride ourselves on preserving our personal freedom and privacy. Article II, Section 4 of the Montana Constitution ensures equal treatment for all people, regardless of their gender identity
"The dignity of the human being is inviolable. No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws. Neither the state nor any person, firm, corporation, or institution shall discriminate against any person in the exercise of his civil or political rights on account of race, color, sex, culture, social origin or condition, or political or religious ideas."
Article II, Section 10 outlines the right to privacy and the requirement for a compelling state interest as justification for infringement of individual rights:
"The right of individual privacy is essential to the well-being of a free society and shall not be infringed without the showing of a compelling state interest."
House Bill 121 will only invite legal challenge, resulting in yet another costly lawsuit for Montana and diverting resources from actual, important causes.
Vetoing House Bill 121 will ensure the continued protection of vulnerable communities and uphold the constitutional rights of all Montanans.Sponsored by
To:
Governor Gianforte
From:
[Your Name]
Dear Governor Gianforte,
The Free and Fair Coalition and our allies, signed below, respectfully urge you to veto House Bill 121.
House Bill 121 compromises the safety, privacy, and dignity of intersex, transgender, Two Spirit, and gender non-conforming Montanans.
We oppose House Bill 121 because it does not address or reflect any real problems that exist in Montana. There is no clear evidence of safety concerns related to Montanans using the restrooms, sleeping quarters, and changing rooms that are in line with their identity. House Bill 121 is based entirely on unfounded fear, as opposed to any substantial evidence of harm. Singling out and policing certain bodies does nothing to increase safety, and in fact, it does nothing to increase privacy.
In addition, House Bill 121 is poised to harm survivors of domestic violence and their families. The immediate effective date means that the shelters who serve these vulnerable individuals will be forced to commit significant time and resources to comply with its provisions. These organizations are not funded to undergo costly renovations, nor are organizations interested in discriminating against transgender, non-binary, and intersex Montanans.
The proponents of House Bill 121 have touted its intent to protect women and girls with no evidence that the bill will make people safe.In 2016, over 300 domestic violence shelters nationwide published a statement condemning similar types of legislation, stating “We cannot stand by while the needs of survivors, both those who are transgender and those who are not, are obscured in order to push a political agenda that does nothing to serve and protect victims and potential victims.”
Furthermore, as Montanans, we pride ourselves on preserving our personal freedom and privacy. Article II, Section 4 of the Montana Constitution ensures equal treatment for all people, regardless of their gender identity
"The dignity of the human being is inviolable. No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws. Neither the state nor any person, firm, corporation, or institution shall discriminate against any person in the exercise of his civil or political rights on account of race, color, sex, culture, social origin or condition, or political or religious ideas."
Article II, Section 10 outlines the right to privacy and the requirement for a compelling state interest as justification for infringement of individual rights:
"The right of individual privacy is essential to the well-being of a free society and shall not be infringed without the showing of a compelling state interest."
House Bill 121 will only invite legal challenge, resulting in yet another costly lawsuit for Montana and diverting resources from actual, important causes.
Vetoing House Bill 121 will ensure the continued protection of vulnerable communities and uphold the constitutional rights of all Montanans.