CNN
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In a recent court filing, two transgender high school girls from New Hampshire took a stand against the Trump administration’s executive order that prohibits transgender girls and women from participating in girls’ athletics.

The plaintiffs, Parker Tirrell, 16, and Iris Turmelle, 15, had previously filed a lawsuit against New Hampshire education officials regarding a state law barring them from competing on girls’ sports teams at their public schools. Their attorneys from GLAD Law and the ACLU of New Hampshire submitted an amended complaint on Wednesday, seeking to broaden the case to a national level to contest Trump’s recent executive order.

Chris Erchull, a senior attorney at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders representing the plaintiffs, asserted that the executive order and similar actions constitute a deliberate effort to marginalize transgender individuals in society.

“Participation in school sports is a crucial aspect of the educational experience that no child should be denied because of their identity,” remarked Erchull in a news statement. “Parker and Iris simply wish to attend school, gain knowledge, and engage in team activities alongside their classmates.”

Recently, Trump enacted an executive order named “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” claiming, “The war on women’s sports has concluded.” This order threatens to revoke federal funding for educational programs that permit transgender girls to take part in girls’ sports, utilizing Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education.

Other executive actions from the early Trump administration have similarly targeted transgender women in the military and within the federal prison system. These orders have faced legal resistance as well; a federal judge recently blocked the administration from enforcing a directive that mandated the detention of transgender women in men’s prison facilities.

The involvement of transgender girls and women in sports has sparked ongoing debates regarding the equilibrium between inclusion and fairness in athletics. According to the Movement Advancement Project, 25 states have enacted laws prohibiting transgender youth from competing in sports consistent with their gender identity.

As outlined in the lawsuit, Parker is a member of her high school soccer team, while Iris aspires to join her school’s tennis team. Their recent announcement includes statements that vividly illustrate their desire to engage in sports.

“Playing soccer brings me joy, and we had an excellent season last fall,” expressed Parker. “I simply want to attend school like every other kid and continue enjoying the sport I love.”

“The opportunity to try out for tennis means making new friends, new teammates, and experiencing a sense of enjoyment and community,” Iris stated. “I just want the same chances as the other girls at my school.”

The ongoing lawsuit against the New Hampshire law continues to progress. In September, a US District Court concluded that both teens should be permitted to play on the girls’ teams while the legal proceedings unfold.

This article has been updated with the latest information.