After votes rolling back transgender rights, a reckoning for progressive Peterborough, NH

“The setting is lavish: A large, windowed room in the corner of Peterborough’s newly renovated library, overlooking the Contoocook River that bisects the tight-knit progressive town.

“And until Tuesday, the meetings inside had been regular and unremarkable. Each month, the local chapter of the League of Women Voters has hosted a listening session with the town’s political representatives, and each month, residents have shuffled in to hear the latest updates from the State House and Executive Council.

“Then, on March 20, both of Peterborough’s Democratic representatives voted to support a bill that would roll back certain anti-discrimination protections for transgender people in the state, surprising many. House Bill 148 allows businesses and government agencies to separate bathrooms, locker rooms, prisons, and other facilities based on biological sex at birth, undoing portions of a gender identity rights bill passed in 2018. The Democrats, Jonah Wheeler and Peter Leishman, had bucked their party to support the bill and drew an emotional response; half of the Democratic caucus walked out of the House chamber during a speech by Wheeler defending his vote.”

“Throngs of residents packed into seats and spilled out into the adjoining hallway, taking turns at the microphone to chastise Wheeler. A smaller group, consisting largely of advocates visiting from out of state, appeared supportive of Wheeler. Reporters lined the room and onlookers held up phones, recording each interaction. Wheeler attended the meeting and fielded questions; Leishman did not show up.

“Many said they felt hurt and betrayed by Wheeler’s vote. Some applauded it. And others used the opportunity to ask Wheeler to which side he belonged.

“‘I am a Democrat,’ Wheeler said, his voice raised.”

“On Thursday, Wheeler also voted in favor of House Bill 377, which would bar doctors from administering puberty blockers or hormone therapy to anyone in the state under 18. He was joined by Democratic Rep. Dale Girard of Claremont; Leishman voted no.”

“Members of an out-of-state advocacy group called the LGBT Courage Coalition — who were in the state to testify and support legislation banning gender-affirming care for minors — showed up in support of Wheeler, applauding some of his statements and using the microphone to voice their own thoughts.” .