exclusive: New York state officials argue that state Attorney General Letitia James’s executive order banning transgender athletes from competing against biological women in track and field in the county is transphobic or discriminatory. repulsed.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman filed suit against James on Wednesday over his cease and desist letter related to his Feb. 22 order.
He is asking a federal court in the Eastern District of New York to rule that he has the authority to enact the law.
A spokesperson for James’ office told Fox News Digital that Blakeman’s order was “transphobic.” But Ms Blakeman said that was far from the case, adding that her criticism amounted to “slander”.
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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman speaks during a press conference on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Mineola, New York. (AP Photo/Philip Marcello)
“She has no objective facts to offer,” Blakeman told FOX News Digital in an exclusive interview. “She basically just curses, and I don’t like swearing. What I mean is, if you’re biologically male, you’re usually bigger than a female or female. It’s about being fast and being strong.” Being a girl, we want fair competition, and we want a safe environment.
“We are seeing people who identify as transgender women who are biologically male and are taking away the right to compete from women who have worked their whole lives to compete. .”
Last month, Blakeman signed an order aimed at “equity for women and girls in sports.” “The measures were necessary to maintain equity in women’s athletic opportunities,” the order said.
New York County Moves to Block Biological Males from Participating in Women’s Sports at Local Facilities
The rule states that “When applying for a use and occupancy permit, a sport, league, organization, team, program, or sporting entity may, based on the biological sex of the team member/participant at birth, either: must be explicitly specified.” When using Nassau County Parks property for the purpose of hosting sporting events or competitions: 1) men, men or boys, or 2) women, women, or girls, or 3) coed or mixed sex.
“The Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Museums grants permission to use and occupy Nassau County Park grounds for the purpose of hosting sporting events and competitions that permit athletic teams and sports designated for women, women, and girls. shall not be issued, including biological males.
“The Nassau County Parks, Recreation, and Museums Department has authorized the use of Nassau County Parks and Museums for the purpose of hosting sporting events and competitions that permit the inclusion of biological females on athletic teams and sports for men, men, or boys. We may issue permits for the use and occupancy of the premises.”
Nassau County, New York Executive Bruce Blakeman speaks at a Long Island Association (LIA) event in Woodbury, New York, January 5, 2024. (Howard Schnapp/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
The executive order defines gender as “an individual’s biological sex at the time of birth,” and the statement of a team member’s/participant’s biological sex as listed on the team member’s/participant’s official birth certificate. is considered to have correctly stated the biological sex of a team member/participant at birth if: Statements were submitted at or near the time of the team member/participant’s birth. ”
“Maintaining a supportive and safe environment is essential to promoting and nurturing these opportunities for biological women in sport,” the order reads.
James issued a cease-and-desist order on Friday, saying it discriminates against transgender women and is a “clear violation of New York State civil rights and human rights laws.” He also argued that it violated the “equal protection” clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
“The attorney general is relying on human rights law, which I think is unconstitutional, frankly. But even if that were the case, (the order) would not violate state law. I haven’t.”
“There are opportunities for transgender athletes to compete here in Nassau County, so we’re not excluding them. And basically, all that’s written there is it has to be true. .And we want a safe environment and a fair environment for women to compete.”Compete right here in Nassau County.” ”
Blakeman also made that point in an interview with Outkick contributor Riley Gaines. Podcast “Gains for Girls”said he has a “duty” to uphold Nassau County’s constitution.
“I don’t want biological women to be bullied by biological men,” he told Fox News Digital residents of Nassau County.
“That’s why I took this step to issue an executive order. That order requires that if an all-female team, or an all-female team or league, calls itself or advertises, The man above just says he can’t compete.
“We want leagues and teams to be transparent about who they admit, so that women and girls know that they have a level playing field and that there is no unfair competition. And we’re not creating safety and security issues for the young people who use our fields every day.
State Attorney General Letitia James filed a cease-and-desist order against Blakeman last week. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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“Again, this is not transphobia. This is not anti-transgender. Biological men who identify as transgender women should not compete with other biological men or be coeducational.” Or, if they want to form their own league, I’ll do that.” Find a place where they can exercise their right to recreation and enjoy sports and athletics. I’m glad I was able to do that. ”
FOX News’ Luis Casiano contributed to this report.
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