A federal judge in Concord, New Hampshire, has extended a temporary order allowing a transgender girl to play soccer for her high school team while the court considers arguments for a longer-term order and a potential trial. The lawsuit was filed by the families of Parker Tirrell, 15, and Iris Turmelle, 14, on August 16 to challenge the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act signed by Republican Gov. Chris Sununu last month. Tirrell was granted an emergency order to start soccer practice on August 19, with U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty recognizing the potential success of Tirrell’s case.
McCafferty extended the temporary order on Tuesday through September 10 and listened to arguments regarding a broader motion for a preliminary order blocking the state from enforcing the law while the case proceeds. The judge also mentioned the possibility of holding a trial in the fall, before Turmelle’s winter track season begins at a different school. Attorneys representing the students expressed readiness for a trial, while the state’s attorney indicated the need to discuss this with the attorney general’s office.
The lawsuit argues that the law violates constitutional protections and federal laws by denying equal educational opportunities and discriminating against transgender individuals like Tirrell and Turmelle. The law signed by Sununu prohibits transgender athletes in grades 5 to 12 from participating in teams according to their gender identity. Schools are required to categorize teams as girls, boys, or coed, with eligibility determined by birth certificates or other evidence.
Sununu stated that the law aims to ensure fairness and safety in women’s sports by preserving integrity and competitive balance in athletic competitions, aligning New Hampshire with other states that have implemented similar measures. The issue of transgender rights, particularly concerning young people, has become a contentious topic in recent years as visibility of transgender individuals has increased. Many Republican-led states have restricted gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors and enacted policies limiting bathroom use and sports participation for transgender individuals.
