MEREDITH, New Hampshire — On Friday, the families of two transgender teens in New Hampshire filed a lawsuit against a new state law that prevents them from playing on girls’ sports teams at their public high schools.
The debate over transgender athletes has been heated across the U.S., leading to many lawsuits. Recently, a Florida school employee was suspended for allowing her transgender daughter to play on the girls’ volleyball team, and a similar legal battle has been ongoing in Connecticut for several years.
The New Hampshire lawsuit involves two teens, Parker Tirrell, 15, and Iris Turmelle, 14, who both identify as girls and have been accepted as such by their families, friends, and teammates.
Parker, who is starting 10th grade at Plymouth Regional High School, played soccer on the girls’ team last year and wants to continue this year. “Playing soccer with my teammates makes me feel free and happy, she said. Not being allowed to play would separate me from my friends and make school much harder.
Both girls have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, a condition where there is a mismatch between their birth sex and their gender identity, causing distress. They have been taking puberty-blocking medication to prevent changes that would increase their discomfort.
The lawsuit argues that the New Hampshire law violates the U.S. Constitution and federal laws by denying the teens equal educational opportunities and discriminating against them because they are transgender.
The lawsuit names New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut and other education officials as defendants. The law, signed by Republican Governor Chris Sununu, is set to take effect next week. Sununu said the law was designed to ensure fairness and safety in women’s sports.
The state Department of Justice is reviewing the complaint and will respond appropriately.
Iris, who is starting high school at Pembroke Academy, is eager to try out for the tennis and track teams. I’m a transgender girl, and I don’t understand why I shouldn’t have the same opportunities as other girls, she said.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Concord, asks for an immediate ruling to allow the girls to play or try out for their teams. The families are represented by GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders GLAD, the ACLU of New Hampshire, and the law firm Goodwin.
New Hampshire cannot justify denying transgender girls the same educational benefits available to other students,” said Chris Erchull, a senior staff attorney at GLAD.