GLAD - GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders Inc.
09/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2024 12:41
Federal Court Blocks Enforcement of Transgender Sports Ban Against New Hampshire Students
Federal Court Blocks Enforcement of Transgender Sports Ban Against New Hampshire Students
Ruling allows high school students Parker Tirrell and Iris Turmelle to participate on their teams with their friends and classmates while their case challenging HB 1205 proceeds
CONCORD, N.H. - A federal court issued an order today blocking enforcement of a New Hampshire law that bans transgender girls from playing on school sports teams, against plaintiffs Parker Tirrell and Iris Turmelle while their case against it proceeds. The court ruled that the law, HB 1205, discriminates against transgender students in violation of Title IX and the U.S. Constitution.
The judge ruled that "HB 1205, on its face, discriminates against transgender girls," that it "is not even a close call." The ruling goes on to say, "The stigma and humiliation that comes from such treatment of a child at the hands of the State is substantial and irreparable."
The families of Parker Tirrell and Iris Turmelle, represented by GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, ACLU of New Hampshire, and Goodwin, filed their federal lawsuit challenging HB 1205 on August 16.
The court issued an earlier emergency order that allowed sophomore Parker Tirrell to join her soccer team for practice and the first games of the season. Today's ruling broadens that order to include her co-plaintiff, freshman Iris Turmelle who is looking forward to trying out for and playing with the tennis and track and field teams at her new school, and to extend throughout the duration of the case.
"I just want to go to school like other kids, play the game I love, and hang out with my friends. I'm really happy this decision means I don't have to let my team down for the rest of the season," said Parker Tirrell.
"It's a huge relief to know that Parker will be able to keep playing soccer with her friends, which brings her so much joy. This ruling means my daughter can go to school everyday without carrying the weight of being treated differently because of who she is. That's all her father and I want for her - to be happy, healthy, and know she belongs." said Sara Tirrell, Parker's mother.
"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. I'm really happy to know I now have the chance to try out for a team, learn, play and make new friends," said Iris Turmelle.
"Iris just started high school which is hard enough for any kid. This decision means she doesn't have an extra burden on her shoulders. I'm so glad she'll get the chance to be part of a team, make new friends, and have fun with track and tennis. It gives her dad and me so much peace of mind to know she'll be treated fairly and can have a safe and happy freshman year." said Amy Manzelli, Iris's mother.
The lawsuit, Tirrell and Turmelle v. Edelblut, alleges that HB 1205 denies Parker and Iris equal educational opportunities and singles them out for discrimination solely because they are transgender girls, in violation of federal law and constitutional guarantees of equal protection. The law denies them the many educational, social, and physical and mental health benefits that come with playing sports, and isolates them from friends and teammates.
In addition to today's ruling, two federal courts of appeal and multiple federal district courts have issued rulings finding laws like HB 1205 which categorically ban transgender girls from participation in school sports to be unlawful discrimination.
Parker, Iris, and their families are represented by Chris Erchull, Ben Klein, and Jennifer Levi at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), Henry Klementowicz and Gilles Bissonnette at the ACLU of New Hampshire, and Louis Lobel, Kevin DeJong, and Elaine Blais at Goodwin.
"Today's ruling is clear: New Hampshire cannot justify singling out students to deny them essential educational benefits simply because they are transgender. We are pleased the court understands that Parker and Iris, along with all other transgender students in New Hampshire, deserve access to the countless benefits school sports provide, including physical and mental health, leadership skills, and social development." said Chris Erchull, Senior Staff Attorney, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD).
"Today's court order is a positive step forward in restoring access not just for Parker and Iris but every child in the Granite State who has a right to equal opportunities at school guaranteed under the law. Laws that aim to exclude, single out, and discriminate against transgender youth have no place in New Hampshire and we are happy to see the court recognize how unconstitutional and harmful they are."said Henry Klementowicz, Deputy Legal Director, ACLU of New Hampshire.
"Parker and Iris are deserving of an equal education, like every other student. We are pleased the court acted so quickly to ensure they are allowed to continue playing sports with their teammates while the case against HB 1205 proceeds," said Louis Lobel, Associate, Goodwin.
Tirrell and Turmelle v. Edelblut was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire.