For Immediate Release
July 29, 2018
(Concord, NH)- Yesterday, the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire (LPNH) wrapped up the business from their State Convention in late April at a second special convention at the Grappone Conference Center. Among the items on the agenda were revisions to the Party’s bylaws and several platform plank proposals, including one regarding sex work decriminalization, continuing their fight against the state-run liquor store monopoly, as well as the first Libertarian Gubernatorial Debate in the state’s history. At the special convention, there were 32 credentialed delegates from across New Hampshire. The Libertarian Party of New Hampshire also has the highest number of dues-paying Libertarians per capita in the United States.
The LPNH added several new planks to its Party Platform, including one calling for the decriminalization of sex work; becoming the first political Party in the state to take a position on this issue. Representative Brandon Phinney (L-Rochester) said decriminalizing prostitution gives sex workers access to reproductive services, and the ability to report sexual assaults without fear of legal repercussions. Phinney went on to say, “This would mitigate the effects of human trafficking. If sex work is decriminalized for adults, then you essentially reduce the incentive for human trafficking. It’s not the role of the state to dictate what a person does with their own body.”
The Party also amended their platform regarding drug decriminalization and the state lottery and state liquor store monopoly. Representative Caleb Q. Dyer (L-Pelham) said, “Every example we have of places where controlled drugs have been decriminalized, we have evidence to show that usage rates go down.” He cited Portugal and Oregon as examples. Dyer also said, “It’s fundamentally immoral to lock someone up for a victimless crime.” The LPNH policy plank also calls for pardoning those currently in prison for victimless crimes and having their records expunged.
The Party also took on the state liquor store monopoly, opposing the state monopoly on the sale of beer, wine, and spirits. Rep. Dyer said, “The state liquor store is the golden goose, a significant revenue source for the state, which makes it practically untouchable in the eyes of the political establishment. We don’t need to make the state liquor stores go away, we just want to see private sellers able to enter the market, to end the monopoly and allow for competition.”
A highlight of the LPNH business meeting was a Libertarian Gubernatorial debate between candidates Jilletta Jarvis and Aaron Day. It is the first ever contested gubernatorial race in state history. “This is the Year” has become a mantra of NH Libertarians. Chip Spangler, Chair of the LPNH, says there is a growing interest in Libertarian ideas, combined with a growing disenchantment in Republican and Democrat voters. “Our ideas of personal freedom and liberty are resonating with more and more people. It’s an exciting time to be a Libertarian.”
The Libertarian Party of New Hampshire is the state affiliate of the Libertarian Party of the United States. Our mission is to be a Party which advocates for the principles of self-ownership and individual rights and liberty. For more information about the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire and its platform, please visit www.LPNH.org.
