Transgender Teens Side-lined by New Hampshire’s HB 1205 Law

Parker Tirrell and Maëlle Jacques will face an obstacle when it comes to participating in their respective high school soccer squads this autumn, following a new legislative development in New Hampshire. High school sports in the state will begin anew in August, but, as per a new law signed by Gov. Chris Sununu on July 19, these two students will be left on the sidelines. HB 1205, the relevant law, prevents transgender girls from joining girls’ sports teams from fifth to twelfth grade. The law will affect Tirrell and Jacques, who both identify as transgender girls, by excluding them from their teams once the law comes into effect a month following its passing.

Jacques has voiced her disappointment, noting the perceived bias of lawmakers heeding scare tactics rather than turning their attentions towards those who ‘care for the cause.’ In response to this legislative move, Sununu stated that HB 1205 is aimed at maintaining ‘fairness and safety in women’s sports’ by preserving ‘integrity and competitive balance in athletic competitions.’ The governor’s rationale echoes that of the bill’s supporters, who claim it is unjust for transgender girls to compete in women’s sports due to an alleged biological advantage gained from experiencing male puberty.

Aside from HB 1205, Sununu signed two additional bills that pertain to LGBTQ+ issues. The first, HB 619, denies under-18s access to gender-affirming surgeries. The second, HB 1312, broadens parental notification requirements for LGBTQ+ material in educational settings and allows parents to opt their children out.

These legislative moves have sparked a continuing struggle for transgender rights, a struggle that might play out in litigation and elections. Chris Erchull, a senior staff attorney at GLAD (GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders), emphasized that all potential avenues to challenge these laws, including legal action, are currently under consideration.

Erchull suggests that some of the recent bills could be contested under federal Title IX protections. As these laws take effect, Erchull intends to carefully scrutinize their enforcement and application. Similarly, Tirrell has been in contact with various attorneys, discussing potential legal strategies and possible lawsuits.

Jacques, who is going into her junior year of high school, is ready to participate in any necessary legal proceedings. However, before things get to that point, there’s 603 Equality, a group led by Linds Jakows, who says their attention is focused primarily on the upcoming November elections. Despite these efforts, both Jacques and Parker Tirrell face an uncertain future when they return to school this fall.

Jacques plans to remain connected with the soccer team by assuming the role of assistant coach, an arrangement brokered with her supportive coach. In addition to her coaching duties, she hopes to continue training with her fellow track team members. However, she is mindful not to occupy the sole high jump mat at the school during practice sessions, so as to not deprive her teammates of practicing time who are still allowed to compete.

Meanwhile, Sara Tirrell fears that Parker might find it challenging to watch from the sidelines rather than actively participate on the field, which may result in her choosing to step away altogether. Jacques remains hopeful, despite her frustration at what she perceives as an attack on her rights. Contrary to the claims made by some lawmakers, Jacques believes that the new laws are not about safeguarding non-transgender girls but more about stripping rights away.

The new legislation has had a significant impact on families in New Hampshire. The Maxwell family, for instance, chose to relocate from New Hampshire to California to pursue a more accommodating environment for their 12-year-old transgender daughter, who publicly came out at the age of six.

Despite previous requests to get involved with advocacy, Maxwell chose to prioritize the wellbeing of her own family. Their daughter, an aspiring ski racer, was ‘heartbroken’ at having to give up her passion for skiing after the move. Jacques’ family, however, is not considering relocating. After graduating from high school in two years, Jacques plans to move to a location with more favorable transgender rights.

The Tirrell family, on the other hand, has decided to remain in New Hampshire for the time being, but will keep a close eye on further legislative developments. According to Tirrell, the approval of bills like these can be a ‘slippery slope.’ The expectation is that there could be more medical restriction bills in the pipeline during the next legislative cycle.

Echoing this concern, Erchull mentions that some legislators will likely present additional bills along the same lines to the Concord legislature next year. The passage of such bills was among the reasons the Maxwells chose to uproot their family and move, even before the bills had been passed.

‘But when these bills did get passed, it really begs the question: how can a family remain in a state that restricts its child’s participation in school activities, or denies them necessary medical care? It borders on the absurd,’ stated the Maxwells.

The implementation of these bills has raised significant questions among the communities affected and those advocating for their rights. What does it mean to live in a state that could ostensibly ‘ban’ your child from normal school activities? And where does the line get drawn in maintaining ‘fairness’ in sports? The impact of these laws on transgender children, their families, and their communities will undoubtedly continue to be a contentious topic.

Initially reported by the Portsmouth Herald, the ban on transgender girls participating in sports in New Hampshire has caused considerable distress. However, communities, advocates and affected individuals are standing firm, ready to champion their cause and fight for the rights they believe in.

Transgender Teens Side-lined by New Hampshire’s HB 1205 Law appeared first on Real News Now.

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