Who is Chris Sununu? Where does he stand on LGBTQ+ rights?
Sign up: for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has carved out a unique position within the Republican Party as one of the few GOP governors to consistently support and sign pro-LGBTQ+ legislation. While he has not been an outspoken champion for queer causes, Sununu’s record on LGBTQ+ rights is remarkable, though imperfect, and worth noting.
Born in Salem, New Hampshire on November 5, 1974, Sununu graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering in 1998. He worked as an environmental engineer, designing systems for cleaning up waste sites. From 2006 to 2010, he owned and directed Sununu Enterprises, a business acquisition and development consulting firm. He also served as CEO of the Waterville Valley Resort, a ski resort in central New Hampshire. From 2011 to 2017, Sununu served on the New Hampshire Executive Council, advising governors John Lynch (D), Maggie Hassan (D), and former acting governor Chuck Morse (R).
Sununu became governor in 2016 and won re-election in 2018, 2020, and 2022. Throughout his tenure, he has proven to be a mostly reliable ally for LGBTQ+ rights, despite opposition from his own party. Sununu is a cisgender male who identifies as straight and uses he/him pronouns.
One of Sununu’s significant actions in support of LGBTQ+ rights was signing a bill on June 18, 2018, that set the minimum marriage age at 16 for same-sex and different-sex couples in New Hampshire. This move contradicted his state party’s platform, which explicitly rejects same-sex marriage. Additionally, in 2020, Sununu expanded adoption rights for married same-sex couples, signaling his acceptance of same-sex marriages.
However, when it comes to transgender rights, Sununu has taken a more cautious approach. In May 2023, he joined 24 other Republican governors in signing a letter criticizing the Biden administration’s plan to penalize schools that ban trans students from competing on any sports teams. Sununu stated that he believes in local control on these matters and opposes a one-size-fits-all approach from Washington. While the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association permits transgender athletes to compete, Sununu’s stance reflects his hesitation to support broader transgender rights in certain areas.
Nevertheless, Sununu has made strides in protecting transgender individuals’ rights in other aspects. In 2018, he signed House Bill 1319, a law banning discrimination based on gender identity in housing, employment, and public accommodations, including access to public bathrooms. Sununu emphasized that discrimination in any form is unacceptable and goes against New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die Spirit.” This move demonstrated his commitment to equality and providing equal opportunities for all residents.
On the issue of LGBTQ+ discussions in schools, Sununu has taken both supportive and cautious stances. In 2021, he signed a budget bill prohibiting public schools, state agencies, and contractors from teaching that people of certain races and genders have oppressed others. This move drew criticism from LGBTQ+ and education advocates who argued that it could stifle discussions on queer history and experiences. However, in May 2022, Sununu threatened to veto a Republican bill that would force schools to out LGBTQ+ students to potentially unsupportive parents. He cited concerns about the bill’s impact on children and pledged to veto it if it reached his desk. Ultimately, the bill did not advance further.
Sununu’s record also includes signing bills that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination and harm. In August 2023, he signed a bill banning LGBTQ+ panic defenses for murder, ensuring that defendants cannot use a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity as a justification for violence. In 2019, he allowed the state to create a nonbinary gender option for driver’s licenses, recognizing the importance of gender inclusivity. However, in the same year, he vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for transgender individuals to update their birth certificates, revealing his mixed stance on transgender rights.
In conclusion, Chris Sununu’s record on LGBTQ+ rights is remarkable for a Republican governor. While he may not be an outspoken champion, his willingness to sign pro-LGBTQ+ legislation and his opposition to anti-LGBTQ+ bills set him apart from many other GOP leaders. Sununu’s support for same-sex marriage, adoption rights, discrimination protections, and transgender access to public accommodations demonstrates his commitment to equality. However, his cautious approach to transgender rights in areas such as sports and birth certificates reveals room for improvement. Nonetheless, Sununu should be remembered as a rare Republican who has worked to protect LGBTQ+ rights in his state.
Note: This article is an investigative report and is not affiliated with any specific news outlet. The information presented is based on available sources and research.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
