Federal court judge denies Nassau County Executive's request in trans ban lawsuit

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s request for an order banning New York State Attorney General Letitia James from suing the county over its ban on transgender women’s participation in activities in county facilities, was denied in federal court on April 4.

Judge Nusrat Choudhury said that the county lacked demonstration of “irreparable harm” and standing.

“This decision will not deter us from protecting the integrity and fairness of women's sports and the safety of its participants,” Blakeman said in a statement after the ruling. “According to the logic of the decision on the temporary restraining order, the county would have to wait for a young girl to be paralyzed before taking action."

According to James’ office, a decision on dismissing the motion is still to come.

Blakeman signed his executive order in February demanding sports, leagues, organizations, teams, programs or sport entities operating in county facilities designate themselves based on male, female or co-ed, and then only accept athletes who meet that criteria according to what was originally listed on their birth certificate.

While those born male would not be allowed to participate in female teams, the order does not ban females from joining male teams.

James sent a cease-and-desist letter to Blakeman in March, demanding he rescind his executive order, calling it not only transphobic, but also illegal under the state’s human rights and civil rights laws.

Blakeman responded a few days later by joining Mark Mullen, a Nassau County parent of a female athlete, to file a federal lawsuit contesting the order.