Legal Challenges Against Trans Athlete Ban
The New York Attorney General and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) have filed lawsuits against Nassau County following the latest policy banning transgender females from participating in women’s sports teams at county facilities. This legal action comes after Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed the policy into law on Monday.
Background of the Ban
Earlier this year, Blakeman, a Republican, attempted to implement a similar rule through an executive order, which was later blocked by a judge. Despite this setback, the Nassau County Legislature, controlled by Republicans, voted in June to reinstate the ban, leading to the recent lawsuits.
Attorney General’s Statement
New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, criticized the new law, stating, “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 argues that the ban violates state anti-discrimination laws.
Scope and Impact of the Ban
The new rule bars transgender athletes from competing at facilities owned by the county unless they participate on teams that match their gender assigned at birth or on coed teams. This policy affects approximately 100 sporting facilities in Nassau County.
Response from Nassau County Executive
Blakeman defended the policy, expressing disappointment with the Attorney General’s intervention. He stated, “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.”
NYCLU’s Involvement
The NYCLU has also filed a lawsuit, representing the Long Island Roller Rebels, a women’s roller derby league that had previously sued to block Blakeman’s original executive order. Gabriella Larios, a staff attorney at the NYCLU, emphasized the importance of state anti-discrimination laws, saying, “It is abundantly clear that any attempt to ban trans women and girls from sports is prohibited by our state’s anti-discrimination laws. It was true when we successfully struck down County Executive Blakeman’s transphobic policy and it is true now.”
