Judge strikes down Long Island transgender athlete ban in women's sports
EAST MEADOW, N.Y. (WRGB) — A New York Supreme Court judge struck down a Long Island county’s controversial ban on transgender athletes competing in women's sports at county facilities.
The decision, Friday evening, was issued by Justice Francis Ricigliano.
In February, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued the ban through an executive order, telling WRGB, "It is an unfair advantage for someone who is a biological male to compete against a biological female."
The decision is a win for the New York Civil Liberties Union, which filed a lawsuit in March on behalf of the Long Island Roller Rebels, a recreational women’s roller derby league.
“As a league welcoming trans women and committed to providing a safe space for everyone to be their full selves, County Executive Blakeman’s order tried to punish us just because we believe in inclusion and stand against transphobia,” Curly Fry (they/them), president of Long Island Roller Rebels, said.In a 13-page decision, Ricigliano wrote there is “no corresponding legislative enactment” that provides the county executive the authority to issue such an order.
“In doing so, this Court finds the County Executive acted beyond the scope of his authority as the Chief Executive Officer of Nassau County,” Ricigliano wrote.The ban ignited a large debate among advocates and lawmakers.
The controversial order also shines a spotlight on similar policies being introduced in sports against transgender athletes.
WRGB reached out to Blakeman for comment, but has not yet heard back.
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