New York state judge sends ‘chilling message’ with ruling on trans athlete ban

A New York state court upheld a ban on transgender participation in sports in a decision Monday. The ruling upholds a law passed by Nassau County last year that bans transgender women and girls from participating in the any women’s and girls’ sports played at county-run venues.

The decision ended a year-long lawsuit initiated by the Long Island Roller Rebels roller derby team and backed by the  New York Civil Liberties Union.

In his ruling, state judge R. Bruce Cozzens wrote “This Local Law is narrowly tailored to achieve the objectives and does not categorically exclude transgender individuals from athletic participation. The law regulates access to women and girls categories in the County run facilities for organized athletic events.”

This effort has been a centerpiece of the GOP-controlled county legislature and Republican county executive Bruce Blakeman. In February 2024, Blakeman put forth an executive order calling for the ban, believed to be the first of its type within the United States.

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The measure was immediately challenged by New York’s Attorney General Letitia James, who says the county’s law violates state law. In May 2024 the Roller Rebels filed their suit. A month later, the county legislature passed the ban in a vote that went along party lines.

Blakeman, via written statement, was pleased with the outcome.

“We are grateful that the court found our legislation to be valid and legal,” he said.

Opponents say that the ruling is not the final word. NYCLU attorneys said they seek to appeal this ruling.

“Today’s decision sends a chilling message that trans people don’t belong in Nassau County, but the fight doesn’t end here,” NYCLU staff attorney Gabriella Larios stated to the Associated Press. “We are confident that New York courts will ultimately see the ban for what it is -– unlawful and discriminatory.”

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