Long Island's Nassau County has passed a new bill preventing transgender women from participating in integrated sports, sparking a firestorm of backlash and potential lawsuits . The bill, dubbed Local Law 121-23, was passed by a Republican-led group with a 12-6 vote and signed into law on Monday afternoon.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman hailed the decision, saying: "I am gratified that the Republican Majority in the legislature voted in favor of this common-sense measure to protect the integrity of women's sports and the safety of women participants."
The bill's details state: "Women and girls deserve the opportunity to demonstrate their strength, skills, and athletic abilities and to provide them with equal and fair opportunities to obtain recognition and accolades, college scholarships, and the numerous other long-term benefits that result from participating and competing in athletic endeavors."
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It further highlighted the historical lack of equal opportunities for women in sports compared to biological males, asserting that maintaining women's spaces for cisgender women ensures their achievements can be celebrated. The law also mandates that sex-specific athletic teams are essential for competitive fairness, and permits for the city's parks and recreation department will only be issued to those who comply.
The final part of the bill specified that biological sex at birth, as indicated on a birth certificate, determines eligibility. However, the measure faced immediate backlash and polarized opinions online and from elected officials.
New York Attorney General Letitia James called the order transphobic and blatantly illegal, tweeting that she and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) would sue Nassau County over the decision. The NYCLU issued a press release announcing a second lawsuit against Nassau's anti-trans sports ban, officially filing against Executive Blakeman.
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This action follows a similar effort that was struck down last month. The lawsuit was initially prompted by the Long Island Roller Rebels , a recreational women's roller derby league that welcomes trans women and was involved in the first case. The team began in 2005 and was initially started for inclusion of all genders, races, and orientations. Team President Curly Fry said the decision sent a message trans people aren't safe and aren't welcome in Nassau.
According to their website , the non-profit league plays its home matches at "Skate Safe America" in Old Bethpage, NY, and is now barred from using county facilities. Fry again expressed disappointment, noting the impact on the inclusive community they have worked to build.
"Sports should be about challenging yourself and finding joy through movement. With this shameful law, our lawmakers are joining the effort to deprive people of these benefits while sending the message that trans people do not belong in Nassau County," said the team President.
"Trans people belong everywhere including in sports. Much like we defeated the transphobic executive order, we will fight this new law and ensure all community members can join a sports team and feel welcome."
The ruling caused social media users on both sides of the argument to argue online. As the legal battle heats up, one thing is clear: the fight over who gets to play in Nassau County is far from over.
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