Federal judge temporarily blocks New Hampshire’s transgender sports ban law

Via Getty Images

By Mrinali Dhembla

August 20, 2024

Judge Landya McCafferty of the U.S. The District Court of New Hampshire on Monday ruled that HB 1205—which prohibits students in grades 5 to 12 who are born biologically male from participating on girls’ sports teams—be temporarily blocked.

The temporary injunction comes a day after the new anti-trans law took effect.

While the temporary blockade only applies to Parker Tirrell, 15, who was told by Pemi-Baker Regional School District last week that she would no longer be able to take part in soccer practice, activists and New Hampshire’s LGBTQ+ community members are seeking a broader ruling on the matter.

Lawyers for the GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire argue that the law is a violation of the Constitution’s equal protection clauses and Title 1X— the statute preventing sex-based discrimination in school programs and activities.

GLAD and ACLU NH sued the state on behalf of two transgender girls, Tirrell and Iris Turmelle, and expect the injunction to be applied to all students in the state.

Author

Mrinali Dhembla

Based in Manchester, Mrinali Dhembla is Granite Post's multimedia reporter. She's previously worked as deputy editor at The Keene Sentinel, and has experience writing for many national and international publications. When not doing journalism, she likes to cook food (and eat it).

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