Judge Denies Request to Halt Nassau County’s Ban
A New York roller derby league has lost its attempt to temporarily block a local ban that prevents transgender women from competing in female sports leagues. Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Bruce Cozzens ruled against the Long Island Roller Rebels on Tuesday, allowing the county’s restrictions to remain in place while legal challenges continue.
Background on Nassau County’s Transgender Athlete Ban
In July 2024, Nassau County lawmakers passed a law prohibiting transgender women and girls from participating in female sports teams at the county’s parks and recreational facilities. The legislation has been a subject of intense debate, with supporters arguing it ensures fairness in women’s sports, while opponents claim it discriminates against transgender athletes.
This law followed an earlier executive order issued by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in February 2024. That order was struck down by the court after legal challenges, prompting the county’s Republican-led Legislature to pass a formal law enshrining the ban.
Judge’s Rationale for Upholding the Ban
Judge Cozzens ruled that the law does not exclude transgender women from public sports facilities entirely, as they can still participate in coed sports leagues. He stated that allowing transgender women to compete in female sports could pose safety risks and potential legal liabilities for the county.
“There can be no question (even without discovery) that a biological male, regardless of transitioning, would be possessed of greater athleticism, speed, strength, muscle mass, stronger hearts, and greater bone density,” Cozzens wrote. “The goal of the local law is to provide a safe environment for individuals who are born female to play.”
Roller Derby League and Civil Rights Advocates Respond
The Long Island Roller Rebels, with support from the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), expressed disappointment in the ruling and confirmed they would appeal.
Gabriella Larios, a staff attorney for the NYCLU, called the decision an “outlier” that contradicts state laws protecting human and civil rights.
Amanda “Curly Fry” Urena, president of the Roller Rebels, criticized the ruling, saying:
“At a time of rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate and violence across the country, keeping this ban intact is not only cruel, but it is also dangerous. We hope that New York’s courts will ultimately strike down this unlawful ban and acknowledge it for what it is — transphobic and unjust.”
Nassau County Officials Applaud the Decision
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman praised the judge’s decision, calling it “common sense.” He reiterated his stance that transgender athletes have an unfair competitive advantage over cisgender women.
“They have a competitive advantage,” Blakeman said. “It’s unfair, and it’s also unsafe.”
Legal Battle Continues
The controversy is far from over, as the ban is also facing a legal challenge from New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat. The case could eventually make its way to higher courts, setting a precedent for similar policies nationwide.
Broader Context: National Debate Over Transgender Rights in Sports
The ruling comes amid a growing national debate over transgender participation in women’s sports. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order rolling back protections for transgender people. The order mandates that the federal government recognize only two immutable sexes: male and female.
This move aligns with similar policies being enacted in various states, with supporters arguing they protect the integrity of women’s sports, while critics claim they fuel discrimination against transgender individuals.
The legal fight over Nassau County’s transgender athlete ban highlights the broader debate surrounding fairness, inclusion, and safety in competitive sports. As the case moves forward, both supporters and opponents of the law will be watching closely, as its outcome could have far-reaching implications for transgender rights and women’s athletics in the United States.
