Trans Teens File Lawsuit Challenging New Hampshire Law Banning Them from Girls’ Sports

Families Take Legal Action Against New State Law

The families of two transgender teens in New Hampshire have filed a lawsuit challenging a new state law that prohibits transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports teams at their public high schools. The lawsuit, filed on Friday, argues that the law discriminates against the teens and violates their constitutional rights.

Impact on Transgender Teens

The lawsuit centers on Parker Tirrell, 15, and Iris Turmelle, 14, both of whom have been accepted as girls by their parents, peers, teammates, and coaches. Tirrell, who is entering the 10th grade at Plymouth Regional High School, played soccer with the girls’ team last year and is eager to continue playing.

“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. “Not being allowed to play on my team with the other girls would disconnect me from so many of my friends and make school so much harder.”

Turmelle, who is about to start her first year at Pembroke Academy, is looking forward to trying 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,” Turmelle said. “I don’t understand why I shouldn’t get to have the same opportunities as other girls at school.”

Allegations of Discrimination

The lawsuit claims that the New Hampshire law, known as the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” violates federal laws and constitutional protections by denying the teens equal educational opportunities based solely on their transgender identity. Both Tirrell and Turmelle have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and are undergoing puberty-blocking treatment to align their physical appearance with their gender identity.

The lawsuit names New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut and other education officials as defendants. The plaintiffs are represented by GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the ACLU of New Hampshire, and the law firm Goodwin.

“New Hampshire cannot justify singling out transgender girls to deny them essential educational benefits available to other students,” said Chris Erchull, a senior staff attorney at GLAD.

State’s Response and the Law’s Background

New Hampshire’s Republican Governor Chris Sununu signed the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act” into law last month. The law, which takes effect next week, was introduced to “ensure fairness and safety in women’s sports by maintaining integrity and competitive balance in athletic competitions,” according to a statement from Sununu.

The governor and the education commissioner have referred inquiries about the lawsuit to the state Department of Justice, which stated it is reviewing the complaint and will “respond as appropriate.”