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Transgender schoolgirls are told by judge that they can flout New Hampshire state law that bans them from competing in women’s and girls’ sports

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Transgender schoolgirls are told by judge that they can flout New Hampshire state law that bans them from competing in women’s and girls’ sports


A federal judge in New Hampshire has told two transgender students they can disregard a state law that bans them from competing in women’s and girls’ sports at their public high schools. 

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty allowed Parker Tirrell, 15, and Iris Turmelle, 14 – who both use the pronouns she and her – to participate in female sports after their families filed a lawsuit on Friday to overturn the ‘Fairness in Women’s Sports Act’.

Republican Governor Chris Sununu signed the new law in July, which requires students to play on sports teams that align with the sex listed on their birth certificate. 

House Bill 1205 was scheduled to go into effect on Monday – the same day Parker started soccer practice. Meanwhile, Iris hopes to soon try out for the girls track and field and tennis team at her school. 

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Now, McCafferty, who was nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2013, has granted the teens a temporary restraining order against the New Hampshire law. 

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty allowed Parker Tirrell, 15 (pictured) to participate in female sports after their families filed a lawsuit on Friday to overturn the ‘Fairness in Women’s Sports Act’ 

McCafferty also granted Iris Turmelle, 14, (pictured) to participate in girls' sports at her public high school after her and Parker's family's sued the state on Friday

McCafferty also granted Iris Turmelle, 14, (pictured) to participate in girls’ sports at her public high school after her and Parker’s family’s sued the state on Friday 

When he signed the bill into law, Sununu said it ‘ensures fairness and safety in women’s sports by maintaining integrity and competitive balance in athletic competitions.’

The judge found that Parker, whose family sought an emergency order for their child, had ‘demonstrated that she is likely to succeed on the merits of her case.’ 

The students’ legal team and the state now have two weeks to schedule a preliminary hearing order that would block the new law being enforced while the case continues. 

According to the lawsuit, the state’s new law ‘violates protections and federal laws because the teens are being denied equal educational opportunities and are being discriminated against because they are transgender.’ 

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McCafferty went on to question how law would protect biological girls from ‘unfair competition’ given that Parker has been taking puberty blockers to prevent changes to her body. 

The judge also found that without the blockers, Parker would endure irreversible harm. 

Iris is also taking puberty-blocking medication and hormone therapy ‘to alleviate the distress of physical characteristics that conflict with their gender identity,’ the suit said. 

McCafferty, who was nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2013, has granted the teens a temporary restraining order against the New Hampshire law

McCafferty, who was nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2013, has granted the teens a temporary restraining order against the New Hampshire law

Republican Governor Chris Sununu (pictured in January) signed the new law in July, which requires students to play on a sports team that aligns with the sex listed on their birth certificate

Republican Governor Chris Sununu (pictured in January) signed the new law in July, which requires students to play on a sports team that aligns with the sex listed on their birth certificate

Michael DeGrandis, an attorney for the state, argued that even though missing soccer practice is ‘stressful’, it doesn’t mean they should be excused from the law. 

‘The law denies them the many educational, social, and physical and mental health benefits that come with playing sports, isolating them from friends and teammates while singling them out for discrimination solely because they are transgender girls,’ GLAD, an advocacy group representing the athletes, said in a statement. 

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After the hearing, Chris Erchull, an attorney at GLAD Legal Advocates & Defenders, said that the temporary ruling was anticipated.   

‘We are very happy with the judge’s order. It is also what we expected, because we know that this law is unfair and violates the rights of transgender girls of New Hampshire,’ Erchull said. 

According to court documents, Parker, a rising senior, at Plymouth Regional High School, played for the soccer team last year and was hoping to participate again. 

‘Playing soccer with my teammates is where I feel the most free and happy. We’re there for each other, win or lose,’ Tirrell said. 

‘Not being allowed to play on my team with the other girls would disconnect me from so many of my friends and make school so much harder.

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‘I just want to be myself and to learn, play, and support my teammates like I did last year.’ 

Iris is an incoming freshman at Pembroke Academy who was looking forward to getting into sports at their school. 

According to court documents, Parker (pictured), a rising senior, at Plymouth Regional High School, played for the soccer team last year and was hoping to participate again

According to court documents, Parker (pictured), a rising senior, at Plymouth Regional High School, played for the soccer team last year and was hoping to participate again

‘Starting high school is exciting and new. I played intramural tennis in middle school,’ Iris said. 

‘I’ve been looking forward to trying out for the tennis and track teams because it will be a way to make more friends in my new school, and I know I’ll learn a lot from it.

‘I’m a transgender girl, I’ve known that my whole life and everyone knows I’m a girl. I don’t understand why I shouldn’t get to have the same opportunities as other girls at school,’ she added. 

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Both of their mother’s feel strongly about their children’s passions and won’t stand to see a bill get in their way. 

‘Any parent wants to know their child is healthy, happy, and feels like they belong. That is no different for my husband and me as parents of a transgender daughter,’ Sara, Parker’s mom, said. 

‘I am really worried about the harmful impact it will have on Parker’s self-esteem and wellbeing if she is told she has to start the new school year without joining her teammates on the field.’ 

Iris’s mother, Amy, explained that her daughter was bullied in middle school and that her and her husband just want to protect her. 

‘After participating in Girls on the Run she is also looking forward to a new challenge by trying out for the school track and field team,’ she said. 

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After the hearing, Chris Erchull (pictured), an attorney at GLAD Legal Advocates & Defenders, said that the temporary ruling was anticipated

After the hearing, Chris Erchull (pictured), an attorney at GLAD Legal Advocates & Defenders, said that the temporary ruling was anticipated

In July, three transgender athletes swept the board in a 1-2-3 at a prestigious women's cycle race in the elite women's Madison at Washington's Marymoor Grand Prix

In July, three transgender athletes swept the board in a 1-2-3 at a prestigious women’s cycle race in the elite women’s Madison at Washington’s Marymoor Grand Prix

‘Iris experienced bullying at her middle school, and my husband and I just want her to be safe, feel included, and to be treated fairly so she can have a positive and happy high school experience.’ 

DailyMail.com contacted Governor Sunu, the New Hampshire Department of Education and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office for comment. 

The lawsuit comes as the country continues to debate about bans against transgender athletes in women’s sports. 

In July, three transgender athletes swept the board in a 1-2-3 at a prestigious women’s cycle race in the elite women’s Madison at Washington’s Marymoor Grand Prix. 

The athletes’ places left fans infuriated and female competitors in the shade. marking the first time trans women are known to have had a place on every podium spot in a race.

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Race venue the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome in Redmond warned it would not tolerate ‘bullying or derogatory comments especially related to race, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability.’ 



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New Hampshire

Manchester, Salem Men Arrested For DWI During Saturation Patrol: NH State Police Roundup

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Manchester, Salem Men Arrested For DWI During Saturation Patrol: NH State Police Roundup


CONCORD, NH — Four people were arrested during a New Hampshire State Police saturation patrol in the Bedford area Friday.

State police stopped 101 vehicles while conducting “high visibility patrols to deter and detect impaired drivers,” according to Tyler Dumont, a public information officer for state police. Troopers also focused their directed patrols and enforcement on apprehending “impaired and aggressive drivers” as part of the Office of Highway Safety. The effort is part of a national “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, he said.

Charles Sibanda, 26, of Salem and Mario Coleccia, 33, of Manchester were both arrested on driving while intoxicated charges and open container violations. Nyaja Gilchrist, 20, of Peterborough was arrested on operating after suspension and speeding charges as well as a failure to yield to an emergency vehicle violation. Marissa Anderson, 38, of Boston, Massachusetts, was also arrested on operating after suspension and transporting drugs in a motor vehicle.

Find out what’s happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Troopers will continue conducting similar enforcement efforts throughout the state,” Dumont said.

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Mass. Man Injured In Motorcycle Crash

A man from Chicopee, MA, was injured on Wednesday during a motorcycle crash in Dover.

Find out what’s happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Around 8:45 p.m., troopers were sent to the area of Exit 7 for a motorcycle crash report. When they arrived, they found Yorky Acosta Hernandez, 20, the rider of the 2004 Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycle, had crashed into a guardrail and was thrown from the bike. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Dumont said it was unknown why Hernandez crashed the motorcycle, but it appeared he “lost control while negotiating a curve.”

Assisting at the city were Dover Fire and Rescue teams and Eddie B Towing and Recovery. The Spaulding Turnpike was closed for about an hour.

Trooper Kevin Ledoux of the Troop A barracks is investigating all aspects of the crash. Anyone with information was asked to email him at kevin.p.ledoux@dos.nh.gov.

Travus S. Barnes Credit: NHSP

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Sex Offender Charged With Soliciting A Minor

A man from Winchester faces felony charges after being accused of an inappropriate online relationship with a child.

State police received a report in late July accusing Travus S. Barnes, 47, of using a mobile device and Snapchat to “facilitate inappropriate online sexual contact with a person under 16 years of age,” Dumont said. Barnes is a registered sex offender due to a 2014 sexual assault conviction. State police detectives, assigned to the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, investigated the incident and issued a warrant against Barnes. He was arrested Aug. 13 on endangering the welfare of a child-solicitation of a child to engage in sexual activity and failure to comply with sex offender requirements. He was arraigned in Keene District Court on Wednesday.

“Detectives are concerned there may be additional victims who have not yet made reports to police,” Dumont said.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation was asked to contact Det. Edward Horton at 603-931-0660 or edward.j.horton@dos.nh.gov.

Troop A Blotter

Michael Anthony Francisco, 32, of Peabody, Massachusetts, was arrested at 2:33 a.m. on Aug. 4, 2024, on aggravated driving under the influence-30-plus mph and DUI in North Hampton.

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Tristan Wyatt Young, 18, of Topsfield, MA, was arrested at 1:10 a.m. on Aug. 4 on a reckless operation charge in Hampton.

Christopher B. Parks, 46, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was arrested at 2:33 p.m. on Aug. 1 on driving after revocation or suspension, operating without a valid license, and disobeying an officer charges as well as an unsworn falsification and emergency vehicles; failure to move right violations in Newington.

Zachary Joseph Castellanos, 21, of Rochester was arrested at 3:31 a.m. on Aug. 1 on aggravated-DUI-collision with serious injury, DUI, and operating without a valid license charges in New Durham.

Thomas Walter Winward, 34, of Derry was arrested on a bench warrant at 2:45 a.m. on July 31 as well as a driving after revocation or suspension charge in Seabrook.

Thomas Higgins, 64, of Rochester was arrested at 6:57 p.m. on July 30 in a felony operating after certified as a habitual offender in Rochester.

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Joseph Michael Kavarnos, 29, of Brentwood was arrested at 1:26 a.m. on July 20 on aggravated DUI-30-plus, DUI, DUI-second offense, possession of a controlled drug, controlled premises, speeding-25-plus mph over the 65 limit, and transport drugs in a motor vehicle charges in Exeter.

Jason A. Griffin, 38, of Belmont was arrested at 1:23 a.m. on July 16 on aggravated DUI-30-plus mph and DUI charges in Portsmouth.

Troop B Blotter

Javon Isaiah Griffin, 21, of Manchester was arrested on a reckless operation chargs at 9:46 p.m. on Aug. 4 in Londonderry.

Marcos Isaac Sarmiento Castro, 19, of Manchester was arrested on a bench warrant at 10:57 a.m. on Aug. 4 as well as driving after revocation or suspension charge and unsafe lane change, yellow-solid line, and suspension of vehicle registration violations in Nashua.

Carlos David Mendoza, 29, of Lawrence, MA, was arrested at 2:29 a.m. on Aug. 4 on DUI, speeding-21 to 24 mph over 65 limit, and DUI-adult more than 0.08; minor more than 0.02 charges as well as lane control, yellow-solid line, and traffic control device violations in Londonderry.

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Jessica C. Hamel, 33, of Derry was arrested at 1:03 a.m. on Aug. 4 on a DUI charge as well as driving on divided way; crossing a median, lane control, yellow-solid line, and fail to maintain minimum speed violations in Salem.

Mikela Tock, 36, of Rowey, MA, was arrested at 9:23 p.m. on Aug. 3 on a DUI charge in Windham.

Donald E. Jennings, 38, of Merrimack was arrested at 3:44 a.m. on Aug. 3 on a DUI charge as well as lane control, yellow-solid line, and tail lamp and reflectors violations in Merrimack.

Kiya Benoit, 29, of Northbridge, MA, was arrested at 1:41 a.m. on Aug. 3 on a domestic violence-simple assault charge in Windham.

Michael David Gruette, 46, of Center Barnstead was arrested at 11:20 p.m. on Aug. 2 on reckless conduct-deadly weapon, disobeying an officer, reckless operation, negligent driving, and driving after revocation or suspension charges as well as lane control, emergency vehicles; failure to move right, driving on a divided way; crossing a median, traffic control device violation, failure to use required turn signal; yellow-solid line, and stop signs; yield signs violations in Manchester. At 12:13 a.m., he was also charged with speeding-26-plus mph over 55 or less limit, disobeying an officer, reckless conduct, operating with an expired license, two reckless operation, and two reckless conduct-deadly weapon charges as well as misuse of plates and yellow-solid line violations. Also arrested was Joseph G. Cote, 34, of Laconia on a possession; residual amount charge. Read more about this case here: 4 Arrested After Trooper Chase From Concord Through Bow, Dunbarton, Goffstown, And Bedford

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Richard John Soltes, 27, of Danvers, MA, was arrested at 2:45 a.m. on Aug. 2 on two reckless conduct charges as well as flammable material and dropping lighted matches violations in Bedford.

Meagan M. Irving, 40, of Strafford was arrested at 2:02 a.m. on Aug. 2 on a DUI charge as well as open container, lane control, and yellow-solid line violations in Manchester.

Christian Scott Yianakopolos, 31, of Manchester was arrested at 4:34 p.m. on Aug. 1 on five domestic violence-simple assault and two criminal threatening charges in Francestown.

Haily Marie Siverhus, 32, of Atkinson was arrested on a DUI charge at 12:57 a.m. on Aug. 1 in Nashua.

Luke Barrett Maczynski, 19, of Middletown, MA, was arrested at 10:59 p.m. on July 31 on speeding-25-plus mph over 65 limit, unlawful possession-intoxication, and transport alcohol by a minor charges as well as an open container violation in Manchester.

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Justin T. Simmons, 37, of Seabrook was arrested on a warrant at 3:24 a.m. on July 30 in Windham.

Marc Coels, 31, of Groton, Vermont, was arrested at 9:20 p.m. on July 29 in a DUI charge in Merrimack.

Robert L. Radcliff, 45, of Manchester was arrested on a bench warrant at 2:43 p.m. on July 29 in Manchester.

Paul Joseph Descar, 40, of Manchester was arrested at 2:27 p.m. on July 29 on a bench warrant in Manchester.

Troop D Blotter

Paul A. Pinheiro, 46, of New Hampton was arrested at 8:56 p.m. on Aug. 4 on a DUI charge in Canterbury.

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Shane Oryan Chase, 29, of Andover, was arrested at 5:50 p.m. on Aug. 4 on two domestic violence-simple assault charges in Andover.

Voeun S. Oum, 38, of Lynn, MA, was arrested at 6:57 p.m. on Aug. 3 on a felony operating after certification as a habitual offender charge in Hooksett.

Aidan Joseph Sleeper, 21, of Tilton was arrested on a reckless operation in Loudon at 6:02 a.m. on Aug. 2.

Daniel O’Neil, 34, of Warner was arrested without a warrant-domestic violence at 2:34 a.m. on Aug. 2 in Warner.

Nick T. Skidmore, 29, of Northfield was arrested on a DUI charge at 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 1 in Tilton.

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Nathan L. Greene, 31, of Laconia was arrested on a bench warrant at 1:26 p.m. on Aug. 1 in Hooksett.

Sherry Lynn Fox, 57, of Laconia was arrested at 1:26 p.m. on Aug. 1 on driving after revocation or suspension and felony drug possession charges in Hooksett.

Brett M. Miller, 29, of Chelmsford, MA, was arrested on a warrant at 10:42 p.m. on July 30 in Sanbornton.

Riley Rebecca Harris, 30, of Manchester was arrested on a warrant and a bench warrant at 12:13 a.m. on July 30 in Manchester.

Juan Morocho-Chimbaina, 33, of Lowell, MA, was arrested at 8:01 p.m. on July 29 on driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent, speeding-21 to 24 mph over the 65 limit, obstructing government administration, operating without a valid license, and two driving after revocation or suspension charges in Bow.

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Torre S. Walls, 32, of Hooksett was arrested on a warrant at 6:24 p.m. on July 29 in Hooksett as well as driving after revocation or suspension, driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent, operating without a valid license, conduct after an accident-death or injury, DUI, and aggravated DUI-collision with serious injury charges and a lane control violation in Hooksett.

Abdou-Karim B. Taal, 26, of Nashua was arrested at 3:10 a.m. on July 29 on aggravated DUI-30-plus mph, DUI, and speeding-25-plus mph over 65 limit charges in Concord.

Rebekah Marie Padua, 28, of Barnstead was arrested at 1:21 a.m. on July 18 on disobeying an officer, reckless conduct, DUI, reckless operation, aggravated DUI-attempt to elude police, and two driving after revocation or suspension charges in Chichester.

Do you have a news tip? Please email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel. Follow the NH politics Twitter account @NHPatchPolitics for all our campaign coverage.


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New Hampshire

Judge allows transgender New Hampshire girl to play soccer as lawsuit challenges new law

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Judge allows transgender New Hampshire girl to play soccer as lawsuit challenges new law


CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A federal judge temporarily cleared the way Monday for a transgender girl to play soccer for her high school team while she and another student challenge a New Hampshire ban.

The families of Parker Tirrell, 15, and Iris Turmelle, 14, filed a lawsuit Friday seeking to overturn the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act” that Republican Gov. Chris Sununu signed into law last month. While Turmelle doesn’t plan to play sports until December, Tirrell sought an emergency order allowing her to start soccer practice Monday evening.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty granted the request with just hours to spare, finding that Tirrell had demonstrated likely success on the merits of the case. The two sides now have 14 days to schedule a hearing on the plaintiffs’ broader motion for a preliminary order blocking the state from enforcing the law while the case proceeds.

The lawsuit said the law violates constitutional protections and federal laws because the teens are being denied equal educational opportunities and are being discriminated against because they are transgender.

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The judge questioned how the law, as applied to Tirrell, would protect girls from unfair competition given that the state isn’t contesting evidence that she has no physiological advantage after taking puberty-blocking medication to prevent bodily changes such as muscle development. McCafferty also found Tirrell had proven that she would suffer irreparable harm without it, another criteria for emergency relief.

Michael DeGrandis, an attorney for the state, argued that missing soccer practice, while “stressful,” didn’t meet that standard, but the girls’ lawyer disagreed, saying it would have a “permanent, stigmatizing impact.”

“We are very happy with the judge’s order. It is also what we expected, because we know that this law is unfair and violates the rights of transgender girls of New Hampshire,” Chris Erchull, an attorney at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, said after the hearing.

The rights of transgender people — and especially young people — have become a major political battleground in recent years as trans visibility has increased. Most Republican-controlled states have banned gender-affirming health care for transgender minors, and several have adopted policies limiting which school bathrooms trans people can use and barring trans girls from some sports competitions.



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New Hampshire

New Hampshire teens sue state over sports restrictions

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New Hampshire teens sue state over sports restrictions


CONCORD, N.H. (WCAX) – Two New Hampshire high schoolers are suing the state over new restrictions on transgender students participating on certain sports teams.

The new law signed by Gov. Chris Sununu last month requires that middle and high school students participate on the sports team that matches the gender listed on their birth certificate.

Advocacy groups filed the lawsuit on behalf of teens Iris Turmelle and Parker Tirrell and their families.

The lawsuit requests that Turmelle be allowed to try out for girls’ tennis and track and field teams and that Tirrell be allowed to continue playing with her girls’ soccer team.

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The suit argues that students are being denied educational opportunities and discriminated against, which violates federal law.



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