Long Island Roller Derby League Denied Temporary Block on Trans Athletes Ban
A roller derby league in New York has been denied a temporary block on a local ban preventing transgender female athletes from participating in female sports teams. Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Bruce Cozzens ruled against the Long Island Roller Rebels’ request to prevent Nassau County from enforcing the ban while their lawsuit is being considered by the court.
New Law Bans Transgender Female Athletes from Playing on Female Sports Teams
In July, lawmakers in Nassau County, located east of New York City, implemented a ban prohibiting transgender women and girls from joining female sports teams at the county’s numerous parks and recreational facilities. The judge’s decision was based on the belief that allowing transgender women to participate in female sports poses an increased risk of injury and potential liability for the local government. Cozzens emphasized that the ban does not prevent transgender women and girls from engaging in sports, as they are still permitted to play in coed sports leagues.
Roller Derby League and NYCLU Disappointed by Ruling
The Long Island Roller Rebels, supported by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), expressed disappointment in the court’s decision and have intentions to appeal while their legal battle progresses. Gabriella Larios, a staff attorney for the NYCLU, criticized the ruling as an “outlier” and inconsistent with other court decisions and state laws protecting human and civil rights. Amanda “Curly Fry” Urena, president of the Roller Rebels, condemned the ban as both cruel and dangerous in the current climate of rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate and violence across the nation.
Nassau County Executive Supports Ban on Transgender Athletes
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman praised the judge’s ruling, describing it as a matter of “common sense.” Blakeman initially imposed the ban through an executive order in February, which was later overturned after legal challenges from the roller derby league and NYCLU. The Republican-controlled Legislature in the county subsequently passed a local law to solidify the ban, prompting continued legal action, including a challenge from Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James.
In a statement, Blakeman justified the ban by alleging that transgender athletes have a competitive advantage, making the playing field unfair and unsafe. The ruling coincides with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order restricting protections for transgender individuals, reinforcing a binary definition of sex recognized by the federal government.
This article was written with the intention of informing readers about the recent legal battle surrounding the participation of transgender female athletes in Nassau County sports. It sheds light on the conflicting viewpoints of various stakeholders involved in the case, highlighting the broader implications of the court’s decision. The article aims to spark reflection and conversation about inclusivity, fairness, and safety in athletic competition, particularly for marginalized communities.
