New York state says stop to Nassau County’s trans athlete ban

In response to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blackman’s Feb. 21 executive order banning trans athletes from playing in female sports in county facilities, state Attorney General Letitia James sent a cease-and-desist order on March 1 that demanded that the county immediately rescind the executive order, stating that is transphobic and illegal under New York Human and Civil Rights Laws.

Blakeman’s order stated that individual’s genders are their biological sex at birth. Sports, leagues, organizations, teams, programs and sports entities using county facilities must be male, female or coed organizations and only accept athletes meeting those criteria. While those born male may not participate in female groups, those born female can be a part of male groups.

“It’s a form of bullying,” Blakeman said at a Mineola news conference on Feb. 21 about biological males athletes participating in female sports.

James has a completely different perspective on the ban.

“Not only will the order impact a wide array of Nassau-based teams and leagues, it will undoubtedly deter inclusive teams and transgender women and girls who participate in women’s and girl’s sports from other parts of the State who want to participate in sporting events and competitions in Nassau County,” James wrote. “And by requiring teams and leagues to exclude transgender women and girls as a condition of using covered facilities, it invites invasive policing of the sex and gender identity and expression of all girls and women.”

Blakeman responded to James’ letter at a Mineola news conference on March 1 stating that it was clear in the executive order that biological males that were transgender would have other opportunities to participate in organizations at county facilities and that the order was legal.

“Nassau County will abide by the law, we will follow the law, we will follow the state and federal constitution,” Blakeman said. “However, there bay be a controversy with respect to this matter which may have to be adjudicated at some time in the future. I would invite the attorney general and her staff to meet with our county attorney and our lawyers to discuss this matter.”

He said that without the order women’s rights would be violated and cited an example of support he has heard from a 16-year-old Nassau County resident, who thought this order was called for.

“Biological males, they change the fairness of the competition and they put women in danger,” Blakeman said.

According to the state’s cease-and-desist order, the county needs to rescind the executive order or face additional legal action.