Transgender Girls Fight Trump’s Ban on Girls’ Sports
(Based on reporting by Reuters)
Two transgender girls from New Hampshire, Parker Tirrell (16) and Iris Turmelle (15), are leading the first legal challenge against President Donald Trump’s executive order that bans transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams. They and their parents filed a lawsuit last year against a New Hampshire law that blocks transgender girls from female school sports.
In September, a federal judge temporarily stopped the state from enforcing the law. Now, the girls are expanding their case to challenge Trump’s executive orders, which say the U.S. government only recognizes two sexes (male and female) and bans transgender women and girls from female sports.
The judge allowed them to update their lawsuit on Wednesday. Their lawyers argue that Trump’s orders violate the U.S. Constitution and Title IX, a law that protects against sex-based discrimination in education.
“School sports are an important part of education, and no child should be denied that because of who they are,” said Chris Erchull, a lawyer for the girls.
Parker plays soccer, and Iris hopes to join the tennis team this spring. Both have known they were girls from a young age and have taken steps to align their bodies with their gender identities. They say Trump’s orders have created fear and uncertainty at their schools, which could lose federal funding if they don’t comply.
This case highlights the ongoing debate over transgender rights in the U.S., especially in sports. While some argue that transgender girls have an unfair advantage in female sports, others believe excluding them is discriminatory and harmful.
The White House has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
(This summary is based on original reporting by Reuters.)