Federal Judge Grants Emergency Relief for Transgender Student
A federal judge temporarily cleared the way on Monday for a 15-year-old transgender girl to play soccer for her high school team in New Hampshire, amid a legal challenge to the state’s recently enacted “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act.” The ruling came just hours before the student, Parker Tirrell, was set to begin soccer practice.
Legal Challenge to New Hampshire’s “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act”
The lawsuit was filed by the families of Parker Tirrell and 14-year-old Iris Turmelle. The suit seeks to overturn the law signed by Republican Governor Chris Sununu, which restricts transgender girls from participating in female sports teams. While Turmelle plans to begin playing sports in December, Tirrell’s urgent need to join her soccer team led to the request for emergency relief.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty granted the emergency order, finding that Tirrell had shown a likelihood of success on the merits of the case. The judge’s decision allows Tirrell to participate in soccer while a hearing on a broader motion to block the law is scheduled within the next 14 days.
Arguments of the Plaintiffs and the State
The lawsuit argues that the new law violates constitutional protections and federal laws by denying equal educational opportunities and discriminating against transgender students. The judge raised concerns about how the law, when applied to Tirrell, would protect girls from unfair competition, particularly since Tirrell has been on puberty-blocking medication, eliminating any physiological advantage.
Judge McCafferty also recognized the potential irreparable harm to Tirrell if she were not allowed to join her team, noting the emotional and social impact of being excluded from the sport. However, the state’s attorney, Michael DeGrandis, contended that missing soccer practice, while “stressful,” did not meet the threshold for emergency relief. Tirrell’s lawyer countered by highlighting the “permanent, stigmatizing impact” that exclusion could have.
Political Context
Chris Erchull, an attorney at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders representing the girls, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s order. “We are very happy with the judge’s order. It is also what we expected, because we know that this law is unfair and violates the rights of transgender girls in New Hampshire,” Erchull stated.
