In a groundbreaking move, two teenagers are taking a stand against New Hampshire’s ban on transgender girls in sports, and they’re not stopping there. With the support of their families and advocacy groups, Parker Tirrell and Iris Turmelle are challenging the state’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which prohibits transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports teams. But that’s not all – they’re also targeting President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which they believe is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
This brave move is a significant step forward in the fight for transgender rights, and it’s heartening to see young people taking a stand against injustice. The executive order, signed by Trump, gives federal agencies the power to enforce a narrow and outdated interpretation of Title IX, which could have far-reaching consequences for transgender students across the country. By challenging this order, Parker and Iris are sending a powerful message that they will not be silenced or marginalized.
The lawsuit, filed by the GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and the ACLU of New Hampshire, argues that the executive order and the state ban are discriminatory and violate the equal protection guarantees of the US Constitution. The lawyers representing the teens are seeking to add Trump, the US Department of Justice, and other federal agencies as defendants in the case.
Parker, a 15-year-old high school student, simply wants to play soccer without facing discrimination. “I love playing soccer and we had a great season last fall,” she said in a statement. “I just want to go to school like other kids and keep playing the game I love.” Iris, a 14-year-old student, plans to try out for the tennis team in the spring and is determined to fight for her right to participate.
The support of organizations like GLAD and the ACLU is crucial in this fight, and their expertise will be invaluable in challenging the executive order and the state ban. As Chris Erchull, a GLAD attorney, noted, “The systematic targeting of transgender people across American institutions is chilling, but targeting young people in schools, denying them support and essential opportunities during their most vulnerable years, is especially cruel.”
This case is a reminder that the fight for transgender rights is far from over, but with courageous young people like Parker and Iris leading the charge, there is hope for a more inclusive and equitable future. By standing up against discrimination and fighting for their rights, they are inspiring others to do the same and creating a ripple effect of positive change. As we watch this case unfold, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for these two teenagers who are refusing to back down in the face of adversity.