New Hampshire transgender teens can play girls' sports, federal judge rules
A federal judge issued an injunction Tuesday partially blocking the enforcement of a New Hampshire law that bars some transgender students from competing on school sports teams that align with their gender identity.
A federal judge issued an injunction Tuesday partially blocking the enforcement of a New Hampshire law that bars some transgender students from competing on school sports teams that align with their gender identity.
The law, House Bill 1205, was enacted in July and requires students in grades 5-12 to compete on school sports teams that match the gender listed on their birth certificates. Last month, two transgender teenage girls and their families sued New Hampshire education officials, arguing that the measure violates Title IX civil rights rules, which prevent sex discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities.
Tuesday’s injunction solely applies to the two teenage plaintiffs in the case: Iris Turmelle, 14, a freshman at Pembroke Academy in Pembroke, and Parker Tirrell, 15, a sophomore at Plymouth Regional High School in Plymouth.
In observance of the new law, Turmelle was prevented from trying out for her school’s track and tennis teams at the start of the school year last month.
“I was really looking forward to starting at my new school and trying out for track and tennis, but HB 1205 took that chance away. I just want the same opportunities as other girls at school,” Turmelle said in a statement.” I’m really happy to know I now have the chance to try out for a team, learn, play and make new friends.”
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