Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has vowed to continue enforcing a controversial law banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports at county facilities, despite an appeals court halting the enforcement of the ban. The decision followed a lower court’s initial upholding of the law, but the appeals court ruled to freeze its enforcement. Blak, a Republican, maintained that the ban is essential to safeguard the safety and integrity of women’s sports. Despite the legal setback, the county executive remains committed to the policy, which was passed by the Republican-controlled legislature in June 2024.
The law, introduced as an executive order in February 2024, was challenged by the Long Island Roller Rebels, a roller derby league whose president, Amanda ‘Curly Fry’ Urena, is transgender. The appeals court ruled that allowing the league to become coed would jeopardize its status with the sport’s governing body and its ability to grow membership. Urena welcomed the ruling, calling it a victory against the ‘transphobic and cruel ban.’ Legal experts also emphasized the ruling’s significance in reinforcing anti-discrimination protections for transgender individuals in sports.
Blakeman’s ban would affect more than 100 sports facilities in the county, raising concerns over its impact on local athletes and sports organizations. The case highlights broader tensions over gender identity in athletics and the role of local governments in regulating such matters. While Blakeman continues to champion the policy, opponents argue it violates state anti-discrimination laws and threatens the inclusivity of sports. The outcome of this legal battle has implications for future regulations in similar jurisdictions.