AG James Seeks Blakeman Lawsuit Thrown Out Connected To His Trans Ban

MINEOLA, NY — The legal tug of war between Nassau County and the state regarding a transgender ban for athletes has deepened.

State Attorney General Letitia James has filed a motion seeking a judge to dismiss County Executive Bruce Blakeman's lawsuit that sought to halt her cease and desist order.

As stated in the filing last week with the U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York, the attorney general argues, in part, that the lawsuit should be thrown out because the 11th Amendment bars claims against her office and the state.

James also asserts in the filing that Blakeman's lawsuit alleges the attorney general is violating the Equal Protection Clause by ordering the executive order be revoked. However, James claims Blakeman's executive order is a violation of the Equal Protection Clause.

Patch attempted to get a comment from Blakeman's office.

The motion to dismiss Blakeman's lawsuit said his lawyers can file an opposition by April 29.

Blakeman announced the executive order in February to separate transgender athletes from participating with biological females in sports at county facilities.

Critics, such as the LGBT Network's David Kilmnick, called the move "nothing more than a pure political stunt. It's sad and it's pathetic. It shows Long Island and Nassau County in a very bad light."