A federal judge issued an injunction partially blocking a New Hampshire law that prevented some transgender students from competing on school sports teams based on their gender identity. The law required students in grades 5-12 to compete based on their birth certificate gender. The injunction only applies to one of the teenage plaintiffs, Iris Turmelle, allowing her to try out for her school’s track and tennis teams. The judge reasoned that denying these opportunities could cause irreparable harm. The lawsuit, brought by two transgender teenage girls, argues that the law violates Title IX civil rights rules. The Biden administration expanded Title IX rules in April to include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Supporters of the New Hampshire law claim it prevents unfair competitive advantages, while critics argue it discriminates against trans athletes. The law is one of several measures passed in states to limit the participation of trans students in sports. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a Republican, also took action on other bills affecting the state’s transgender community. The court’s ruling is seen as a positive step forward by advocates, but the issue of transgender student participation in sports remains controversial and faces legal challenges in various states.
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