Blakeman Sues AG James For Cease & Desist Of Transgender Athlete Ban

MINEOLA, NY — The legal battle between Nassau County and New York State has stepped up regarding the controversial transgender ban.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman was expected to file a federal lawsuit against Attorney General Letitia James, who sent him a cease and desist letter last week.

At the time, James called Blakeman's executive order "transphobic and illegal."

Blakeman's office said the suit was being filed in the Eastern District.

"County Executive Blakeman's executive order is transphobic and discriminatory. Our laws protect New Yorkers from discrimination, and the Office of the Attorney General is committed to upholding those laws and protecting our communities, a spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney General said. "This is not up for debate: the executive order is illegal, and it will not stand in New York."

Last month, Blakeman issued the first-in-the-nation order banning transgender athletes from participating in women's sports on county property.

"Biological males, by in large, have a tremendous advantage over biological females. That's why there's an NBA. That's why there's a WNBA. That's why there's a men's tennis tour. That's why there's a women's tennis tour," Blakeman told WNYC. "People who say biological males don't have an advantage obviously are not paying attention."

David Kilmnick, president of the LGBT Network said: "It is sad and shocking that Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is continuing his political stunt and illegal assault on the transgender community. The law in New York is clear; it protects the transgender community from discrimination and ensures equal participation in all aspects of their lives, including sports."

Nassau County Legislative Democratic Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton called the lawsuit "political theatrics."

"County Executive Blakeman's choice to pursue this lawsuit over the welfare of Nassau County's residents is a dereliction of duty," DeRiggi-Whitton said.

But Blakeman thinks the ban is well within his purview.

"We believe that the position of transgender, biological males injecting themselves and, quite frankly, bullying themselves onto all-girl or all-female teams is wrong," Blakeman told WNYC. "It's a violation of women's and girls' rights."

However, Kilmnick said, "The lawsuit against New York State by Blakeman is a waste of time and county resources and elevates the already disproportionate bullying against the transgender community."