The issue of transgender rights is at the forefront on Long Island, New York, as Nassau County lawmakers are set to vote on whether to ban transgender women athletes from competing in women’s teams in county-owned facilities. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed an executive order in February denying permits to women’s or girl’s sporting events with transgender participants, sparking controversy. The Long Island Roller Rebels, a flat-track roller derby team with transgender players, spoke out against the ban, arguing that transgender women should be recognized as women and allowed to compete in women’s teams. The Roller Rebels, supported by the ACLU, sued Nassau County over the executive order, leading to a judge ruling that Blakeman had acted “beyond the scope of his authority.”
The Nassau County Legislature, made up of 12 Republicans and seven Democrats, is now considering a similar measure to ban transgender women athletes from competing in women’s teams in county-owned facilities. The bill was introduced last week and advanced by the rules committee, with a full vote set for June 24. However, legal experts believe that if the law passes, it will be struck down for violating state anti-discrimination laws that protect transgender individuals. Across the U.S., there are nearly 150 anti-LGBTQ bills under consideration, with 21 targeting transgender athletes specifically. Despite the opposition, the Roller Rebels remain steadfast in their fight for inclusion and equality, renting private spaces for their practices to continue their sport.
Gabriella Larios, an attorney for the New York Civil Liberties Union, argues that the ban on transgender women athletes violates state anti-discrimination laws, pointing to New York’s Human Rights Law and Civil Rights Law that explicitly prohibit discrimination against transgender people. The ACLU reports that since Blakeman’s executive order, four other states have moved forward with bills targeting transgender athletes. Amanda Urena, the president of the Long Island Roller Rebels, emphasizes that their fight is about protecting people’s rights to participate in activities funded by their communities through taxes. She believes they are standing up for Nassau County and people’s rights to equality and inclusion.
In response to criticism that the ban on transgender women athletes infringes on their rights, Blakeman argues that he is prioritizing the rights of women, suggesting that transgender women can compete in co-ed leagues or form their own transgender leagues. However, Urena and the Roller Rebels maintain that transgender women should be accepted as women and allowed to compete alongside their peers. Despite facing challenges and opposition, the Roller Rebels remain determined to fight for justice and find ways to continue rolling, even if it means renting private spaces for their practices. The ongoing debate and legal battles surrounding transgender rights in Nassau County reflect a broader national conversation on LGBTQ rights and inclusivity in sports.
