In a clash of civil rights and local legislation, New York’s Attorney General Letitia James and the local affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have both filed lawsuits against Nassau County after the county re-enacted a controversial ban on transgender women participating in female sports teams at county-owned facilities. This move comes after a similar executive order was struck down in May.
With a 12–5 vote, the Nassau County Legislature approved the new legislation in June, which reinstates a practice that many people find discriminatory. The legislation affects over 100 county-owned athletic facilities in Nassau County, including parks, sports complexes, and other public venues.
The Legal Battle Begins Again
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who signed the original executive order in February and the new legislation in June, expressed his disappointment over the lawsuits filed by Attorney General James. “I am very disappointed that the Attorney General would attempt to frustrate Nassau County’s desire to protect the integrity of women’s sports, ensure the safety of its participants, and provide a safe environment for girls and women to compete,” Blakeman stated.
However, Attorney General James’ suit argues that the Nassau County law violates multiple New York State laws, including the Human Rights Law and Civil Rights Law, as well as Section 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law. “Here in New York, every person has the right to be exactly who they are free from discrimination, and my office will always protect that right,” James affirmed.
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) also condemned the new legislation, stating that it would force intrusive inquiries into the gender identities of both cisgender and transgender athletes, infringing on their privacy and bodily autonomy. “We’re suing Nassau County – again – for their discriminatory law banning trans girls and women from participating in girls’ and women’s sports at county-run facilities,” the NYCLU posted on social media.
A Repeat of Past Struggles
The controversy began in February when Blakeman signed an executive order banning transgender women from playing on female sports teams on county-owned facilities. The NYCLU filed a lawsuit in March on behalf of the Long Island Roller Rebels, a women’s flat track roller derby league based in Nassau County. The suit argued that the order violated New York’s human rights and civil rights laws.
In May, Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Francis Ricigliano struck down the order, ruling that Blakeman did not have the authority to issue it. Following this victory, Attorney General James declared, “NYCLU and the Long Island Roller Rebels won their first lawsuit and County Executive Blakeman’s transphobic executive order was struck down because it was blatantly illegal. Now this discriminatory law must be as well.”
Curly Fry, president of the Long Island Roller Rebels, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in sports. “Sports should be about challenging yourself and finding joy through movement. Trans people belong everywhere, including in sports,” Fry stated.
Nationwide Context
New York is among 25 states that do not have statewide laws banning transgender students from competing on sports teams aligned with their gender identities. However, more than 20 states, including Florida, North Carolina, and Arkansas, have passed laws that prohibit transgender individuals from participating in sports teams that correspond to their gender identity.
Community and Legal Reactions
Despite the controversy, Blakeman maintains that the legislation is not anti-transgender. “In Nassau County, we welcome every race, every religion, every ethnic group, every lifestyle, and people of all abilities. So long as you’re a person of good will, you’re welcome in Nassau County,” Blakeman stated. He also noted that transgender former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner has endorsed the ban, which he believes strengthens the case for its fairness.
However, opponents argue that the legislation is discriminatory and harmful to the transgender community. “With this shameful law, our lawmakers are joining the effort to deprive people of these benefits while sending the message that trans people do not belong in Nassau County,” Curly Fry of the Long Island Roller Rebels said. “We will fight this new law and ensure all community members can join a sports team and feel welcome.”
Democrats opposing the ban argue that it prioritizes private interests over the public good. State Attorney General James, in her lawsuit, asserted that the Nassau ban violates New York laws forbidding discrimination based on gender identity or expression. “With this law, Nassau County is once again attempting to exclude transgender girls and women from participating in sporting events while claiming to support fairness,” James said in a statement.
According to NYCLU staff attorney Gabriella Lario, “It is abundantly clear that any attempt to ban trans women and girls from sports is prohibited by our state’s anti-discrimination laws. This latest round of hateful legislation is unacceptable, and we won’t let it stand in New York.”
Public Opinion
The debate over transgender athletes competing in sports is a microcosm of the broader national discourse. A Siena College poll released in April found that 66% of voters in New York support a ban on transgender athletes competing against girls, while 27% opposed it. The poll revealed strong support for the prohibition across party, racial, ethnic, and regional lines, with only self-identified liberals opposing the ban.
Blakeman claims that he has received support from various segments of the community, including lesbian athletes who favor the ban. “There are a few people out there with a narrow view who say this is an anti-transgender bill — and it’s not,” Blakeman said.
The Bottom Line
As the lawsuits proceed, the tension between local legislation and state anti-discrimination laws remains palpable. The legal battles in Nassau County underscore a larger struggle for transgender rights and inclusion in sports across the United States. The outcome of these cases could set significant precedents for how transgender athletes are treated and protected under the law.
For the transgender community and its allies, the fight for equal rights in sports is far from over. As Curly Fry and the Long Island Roller Rebels continue to advocate for inclusivity, they serve as a powerful reminder that sports should be a space where everyone can find joy and challenge themselves, free from discrimination.
We draw inspiration from the resilience and determination of those fighting for transgender rights. The ongoing legal struggles in Nassau County highlight the importance of solidarity and advocacy in the pursuit of equality and justice for all.
As this story develops, it remains crucial to support and uplift the voices of transgender individuals, ensuring that their rights and identities are respected and protected in all areas of life, including sports.
