Two transgender students from New Hampshire have launched the first legal challenge against U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender girls from participating in female school sports.
Legal Battle Against Sports Ban Intensifies
Parker Tirrell, 16, and Iris Turmelle, 15, along with their parents, previously filed a lawsuit challenging a New Hampshire law that restricted transgender girls from playing on female sports teams. The law is part of a wave of similar legislation passed in Republican-led states across the U.S.
In September, U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty, appointed by former President Barack Obama, issued a preliminary injunction blocking New Hampshire officials and school districts from enforcing the law.
Now, Tirrell and Turmelle are expanding their lawsuit to challenge Trump’s recent executive order, which mandates that the federal government only recognize two sexes—male and female—without acknowledging gender transitions. The order also prohibits transgender women and girls from participating in female sports.
Court Allows Lawsuit Expansion Against Trump’s Policy
On Wednesday, the judge granted permission for the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint.
“School sports are an essential part of education—no child should be excluded simply for being who they are,” said Chris Erchull, an attorney from GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, representing the students.
Tirrell and Turmelle argue that Trump’s February 5 executive order, along with an earlier one, violates their rights under the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection clause and Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs.
White House Defends Executive Order
Harrison Fields, a spokesperson for the White House, dismissed the lawsuit, stating that all of Trump’s executive actions are legally sound.
“Any legal challenge is merely an effort to undermine the will of the American people, who overwhelmingly elected President Trump to restore common-sense policies,” Fields said.
Students Face Uncertainty as Schools Risk Losing Federal Funding
According to court filings, the students’ schools could lose federal funding if they allow transgender girls to compete in female sports, creating an environment of uncertainty for Tirrell and Turmelle.
Tirrell, a soccer player, and Turmelle, who plans to try out for tennis in the spring, both participated in sports from a young age. They have undergone puberty-blocking treatments and hormone therapy to align with their gender identities, meaning neither will experience testosterone-driven puberty.
As the case progresses, it could set a major legal precedent for transgender rights in school sports across the country.
