The Nassau County legislature is planning to pass a new law that would reinstate a ban on transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports at county-owned athletic facilities. This decision follows a ruling by a state Supreme Court judge last month that determined Nassau County Republican Executive Bruce Blakeman did not have the authority to implement such a ban through an executive order without the approval of the legislature. Since Republicans control 12 out of the 19 seats in the county legislature, the passage of this bill is expected to be successful. Blakeman expressed his confidence that the legislature will act favorably to protect the rights of women and girls in Nassau County.
Presiding Officer Howard Kopel of the Nassau Legislature stated that this proposed law reflects the county’s commitment to fairness and safety in sports for women and girls. It aims to maintain the integrity of women’s sports and create an environment where all athletes can thrive with confidence and dignity. Supporters of the ban argue that transgender women have physical advantages over biological women while competing. This sentiment is shared by legislator Samantha Goetz, who believes that allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports diminishes the accomplishments, efforts, and safety of female athletes. Caitlyn Jenner, a well-known transgender individual and former Olympian, supports the ban for the same reasons.
Caitlyn Jenner made an appearance at a press conference with Bruce Blakeman in March to advocate for the ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports. Jenner emphasized the biological differences between men and women based on DNA, chromosomes, and the developmental changes that occur during puberty. According to Jenner, competing in sports should be based on the biological sex assigned at birth to protect the integrity of women’s sports. However, the state’s Attorney General Letitia James opposes the proposed ban, deeming it discriminatory, transphobic, and illegal under the civil rights laws of New York. It is highly likely that a county law implementing this ban would face legal challenges in court.
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) successfully challenged Blakeman’s executive order in court on behalf of a recreational women’s roller derby league, the Long Island Roller Rebels, which welcomes transgender women. The league was initially prevented from using Nassau County’s facilities under the executive order. The NYCLU has expressed their intent to challenge any legislation that seeks to ban transgender girls and women from participating in girls’ and women’s sports, reaffirming that such actions are prohibited by the state’s antidiscrimination laws. Gabriella Larios, a staff attorney at the NYCLU, stated that they will take legal action if the Nassau County legislature proceeds with this harmful legislation, as they did with Blakeman’s executive order. The organization is prepared to defend the rights of transgender individuals to participate in sports.
