The families of two transgender teenagers in New Hampshire have taken legal action against a recent state law prohibiting them from participating in girls’ sports teams at public high schools. The issue of transgender athletes has become a contentious topic nationwide, leading to conflicts and legal challenges in various states. In a recent incident in Florida, a school staff member faced suspension for permitting her transgender daughter to join the girls’ volleyball team, resulting in a 10-day suspension and involvement in a federal lawsuit to oppose the state law. Similarly, a legal battle over Connecticut’s policy concerning transgender students in school sports has been ongoing for years.
The lawsuit from New Hampshire involves Parker Tirrell, 15, and Iris Turmelle, 14, who have both identified as girls and have received acceptance from their families, peers, teammates, and coaches from a young age. Tirrell, a student at Plymouth Regional High School, expressed her desire to resume soccer practice with the girls’ team before the upcoming match on August 30, emphasizing the importance of feeling connected and supported by her teammates. Both girls have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and are undergoing puberty-blocking treatment to alleviate distress linked to gender identity mismatch.
The legal challenge argues that the New Hampshire law infringes on constitutional rights and federal laws by denying equal educational opportunities to transgender individuals and subjecting them to discrimination. The lawsuit targets New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut and other education officials as defendants. The state’s newly enacted law, the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” signed by Republican Governor Chris Sununu, is set to be implemented soon, with the aim of ensuring fairness and competitive balance in women’s sports competitions, according to Sununu.
Turmelle, a student at Pembroke Academy, expressed her eagerness to participate in tryouts for the tennis and track and field teams, highlighting her identity as a transgender girl and her entitlement to equal opportunities at school. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Concord, seeks an immediate resolution to allow both girls to engage in sports activities. The legal representation for the girls and their families comes from GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the ACLU of New Hampshire, and Goodwin, who stress the importance of providing transgender students with the same educational benefits as their peers.