MEREDITH, N.H. — The families of two transgender teenagers in New Hampshire have filed a lawsuit challenging a new state law that prohibits them from participating in girls’ sports teams at public high schools. The lawsuit was filed on Friday, arguing that the law infringes on the teens’ constitutional and federal rights.
The debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in school sports has intensified nationwide, leading to numerous legal battles. Recently, a Florida school employee faced a 10-day suspension for permitting her transgender daughter to join the girls’ volleyball team, and a federal lawsuit aims to block Florida’s law. Similarly, a legal challenge against Connecticut’s policy on transgender student-athletes has been progressing through the courts for years.
According to the lawsuit, Parker Tirrell, 15, and Iris Turmelle, 14, have long identified as girls and are recognized as such by their families, peers, and coaches. Tirrell, who is beginning her sophomore year at Plymouth Regional High School, played on the girls’ soccer team last year and hopes to resume practice before the season opener on August 30.
“Playing soccer with my teammates is where I feel the most free and happy. We’re there for each other, win or lose,” Tirrell said in a statement. “Being excluded from my team would sever connections with many friends and make school significantly more challenging.”
The lawsuit highlights that both teens have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and are undergoing puberty-blocking treatment to mitigate distress caused by physical changes. It argues that the New Hampshire law violates their rights by denying them equal educational opportunities and discriminating against them based on their gender identity.
Named in the lawsuit are New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut and other education officials. The “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” signed into law by Republican Governor Chris Sununu last month, is set to take effect next week. Governor Sununu has stated that the law, supported by a majority, aligns New Hampshire with nearly half of U.S. states in ensuring fairness and maintaining competitive balance in women’s sports.
Both the education commissioner and Governor Sununu have directed inquiries to the state Department of Justice, which is currently reviewing the complaint and will respond accordingly.
Turmelle, starting her freshman year at Pembroke Academy, is eager to try out for the tennis and track and field teams. “I’m a transgender girl, I’ve known that my whole life and everyone knows I’m a girl,” she said. “I don’t understand why I shouldn’t have the same opportunities as other girls at school.”
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Concord, seeks an immediate court ruling to allow the girls to participate in sports or tryouts. The families are represented by GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the ACLU of New Hampshire, and Goodwin.
“New Hampshire cannot justify denying transgender girls essential educational benefits afforded to other students,” stated Chris Erchull, a senior staff attorney at GLAD.