The Nassau County legislature is planning to pass a law that would reinstate a ban on transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports at county-owned athletic facilities. This decision comes after a state Supreme Court judge ruled that Nassau County Republican Executive Bruce Blakeman did not have the authority to impose such a prohibition through executive order without the approval of the legislature. The bill is expected to be officially introduced and with Republicans holding the majority of seats in the legislature, its passage seems likely.
Blakeman has stated that the legislation will be introduced to ensure the fairness and safety of women’s and girls’ sports, mentioning that it will codify the protections that were in his executive order. Nassau Legislature Presiding Officer Howard Kopel has expressed support for the proposed law, emphasizing the importance of fairness and safety in sports for women and girls. Supporters of the ban argue that transgender women have physical advantages that could create an unfair playing field when competing against biological women. Legislator Samantha Goetz and prominent transgender figure Caitlyn Jenner have both voiced their support for the ban on these grounds.
Caitlyn Jenner, a former Olympic athlete, has spoken in favor of the ban on transgender athletes competing with women due to the biological and physical differences between men and women that exist. Jenner emphasized the importance of competing in the biological sex someone was born with in order to protect the integrity of women’s sports. However, state Attorney General Letitia James has condemned the proposed ban as discriminatory, transphobic, and illegal under the state’s civil rights laws. The New York Civil Liberties Union previously filed a successful lawsuit overturning Blakeman’s executive order on behalf of a recreational women’s flat track roller derby league, which includes transgender women.
The NYCLU has vowed to challenge the proposed legislation in court if it is introduced, citing state laws that prohibit discrimination against transgender individuals participating in women’s sports. Staff attorney Gabriella Larios expressed that any attempt to ban transgender girls and women from these sports would be met with legal action, stating that it was true when they struck down Blakeman’s policy and remains true now. The NYCLU’s stance is that legislation or executive orders that discriminate against transgender individuals in sports are not only harmful but also violate state laws protecting the rights of these individuals.
The introduction of the bill to reinstate the ban on transgender athletes competing in women’s and girls’ sports at Nassau County-owned athletic facilities has sparked a contentious debate between supporters and opponents of the ban. With influential figures like Caitlyn Jenner speaking out in favor of the ban, and state Attorney General Letitia James labeling it as discriminatory, the issue is expected to face legal challenges if passed. The debate hinges on questions of fairness and safety in women’s sports, as well as concerns about discriminatory practices against transgender individuals. As the bill moves forward, the implications for the rights and participation of transgender athletes in Nassau County will continue to be a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.
