Note: This bill prohibits the practice of discrimination against any New Hampshire inhabitants (individuals, associations and companies) through use of their social credit or environmental, social justice, and governmental score is a matter of state concern, that discrimination based on such scores not only threatens the rights and proper privileges of New Hampshire inhabitants but menaces the institutions and foundation of a free democratic state and threatens the peace, order, health, safety and general welfare of the state and its inhabitants.
It will now go to the full House for a vote.
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For Immediate Release
February 4, 2022
Contact: Jeffrey.Greeson@leg.state.nh.us
Commerce Republicans Strengthen Anti-Discrimination Laws
Concord, NH – Representative Jeffrey Greeson (R-Wentworth) released the following statement after the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs committee passed HB1469, relative to prohibited acts for banks, credit unions, and businesses by a vote of 10-9.
“‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it’. This old saying strikes at the very foundation of the American belief in freedom of speech and expression. Allowing the free flow of ideas and responsibly debating contentious issues are an integral part of maintaining a healthy democracy. Whether you are a conservative Republican advocating for the 2nd amendment or progressive Democrat lobbying for ‘Medicare for All’, every individual deserves the right to promote their beliefs.”, said Greeson. “Individuals around the world are increasingly experiencing censorship, ostracisation, or even threats of violence for daring to have a difference of opinion. Even in New Hampshire, a student organization at Dartmouth College was forced to cancel an event due to threats of violence.”
“The attacks on freedom of expression and speech are troubling. What is even more troubling are the attempts by extremists to pressure the global financial system to adhere to their ideology. ESG scores are rapidly growing in popularity. If they were limited to being just an investment strategy, that would be fine, but they have become more than that. These amount to what is essentially a corporate social credit score tracking adherence to a certain set of principles deemed most important by a select few. Granting access to banking and judging credit worthiness based on these criteria should send a chill down the spine of every person that values our ability to freely express our beliefs.”
“HB1469 strengthens anti-discrimination laws in New Hampshire by ensuring no one will be excluded from the banking system based on their political views. I look forward to working with my Republican colleagues (and if there are still some freedom-loving Democrats remaining, because this affects them, too) to pass this legislation and strengthen every individual’s right to freely express themselves.”