An order restricting transgender athletes from using county parks and stadiums in Long Island, New York, was struck down by a judge Friday after a challenge from a roller derby league.
In February, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued an executive order denying park permits to girls’ teams, leagues and organizations that allow transgender female athletes to participate. Blakeman supported the ban in a press conference in March with Caitlyn Jenner, the 1976 Olympic gold medalist in the men’s decathlon who transitioned.
Although the basis for Blakeman’s executive order stems from efforts to ensure fair competition for female athletes in their respective sports, Judge Frances Riccigliano issued an executive order for Blakeman. It was ruled that there was no authority.
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Members of the Long Island Roller Rebels practice their skills at United Skating of America on March 19, 2023 in Seaford, New York. (AP Photo/Gina Moon)
In his 13-page ruling, Riciliano wrote that Blakeman’s order was effective against transgender women in county parks “despite the absence of any corresponding legislative action” giving Blakeman such authority. They wrote that the goal was to prevent women from participating in track and field.
“In doing so, this court finds that the County Executive acted beyond the scope of its authority as chief executive officer of Nassau County,” Riciliano wrote.
The league’s lawsuit was supported by the New York Civil Liberties Union, which said the decision reverses harmful policies that seek to “reap cheap political benefits by promoting harmful stereotypes about transgender women and girls.” said.
“This is a huge victory for all transgender people in Nassau, especially plaintiff @LIRollerRebels,” the NYCLU wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“This decision sends a strong message that transphobic discrimination cannot and will not be tolerated. I’m glad that it is.”
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Caitlin Carroll (right) shows off her skills at United Skates of America on Tuesday, March 19, 2023 in Seaford, New York.
Blakeman rejected the judge’s decision as not considering the merits of the case. The decision does not go into the civil rights arguments raised by both sides, instead focusing on the limits of the county executive’s authority.
“Unfortunately, girls and women are being harmed in court,” he said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press.
The Roller Rebels were among the teams seeking permission for the county-owned rink. The league allows anyone who identifies as female to play, and there is already one transgender player on the roster.
State Attorney General Letitia James previously asked Nassau County to rescind the order, saying it violated anti-discrimination laws.
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Caitlyn Jenner supported the measure. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
She called Friday’s ruling a “huge victory.”
“In New York, it is illegal to discriminate against people based on their gender identity or expression…My office will continue to work to ensure that all New Yorkers are free to be themselves.”
The issue of trans women in women’s sports is further accelerating the national debate around one of the most controversial topics in sports.
FOX News’ Scott Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
