Concord, N.H. — The administration of former President Donald Trump is seeking to remove itself from a legal challenge initiated by two New Hampshire teenagers against the state’s prohibition of transgender athletes in girls’ sports. This lawsuit also contests an executive order issued by Trump regarding the same issue.
The case features Parker Tirrell, 16, and Iris Turmelle, 14, who became the first individuals to formally challenge Trump’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” order after they joined their lawsuit against New Hampshire’s ban earlier this year. A federal judge has permitted them to participate in girls’ sports while the lawsuit is ongoing.
In a motion filed on Friday, government attorneys contend that the plaintiffs are attempting to involve federal officials in an existing case without sufficient justification. Deputy Associate Attorney General Richard Lawson asserted that the government has not enforced the executive order in New Hampshire and may not do so in the future.
Lawson emphasized that the teens’ claim lacks constitutional standing, arguing that their risk of future harm is speculative and may never materialize. He requested that the court dismiss claims against Trump, as well as leaders in the departments of Justice and Education.
The directive issued by Trump allows federal agencies to ensure compliance with Title IX, which prohibits gender discrimination in educational settings. The administration interprets a person’s sex strictly as the gender assigned at birth.
Attorneys representing the teenagers counter that the order, coupled with a prior executive measure restricting federal funds from being used to promote what they term “gender ideology,” subjects them — along with all transgender girls — to discrimination that violates the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX.
The government maintains that the executive order does not constitute discrimination, arguing that males and females are not in comparable positions regarding participation in sports. Current demographics suggest that transgender youth make up roughly 1.4% of the population between the ages of 13 and 17, which amounts to about 300,000 individuals nationwide. However, approximately half of all states have enacted similar bans, with supporters believing that allowing transgender girls to compete is unfair and poses risks.
In conversations earlier this year, both Tirrell and Turmelle expressed that they do not feel they hold advantages over their peers. Tirrell noted that her physical attributes are less muscular compared to those of her teammates, while Turmelle remarked on her perception of not being a standout athlete.
Reflecting on her experience, Turmelle shared a personal anecdote from a softball tryout last year, emphasizing that she did not make the team. “If that wasn’t fair, then I don’t know what you want from me,” she articulated, underscoring her feelings of equality in competition.
This case remains a pivotal focal point in the national debate surrounding transgender rights in sports, highlighting the broader implications for state and federal policies.
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