Judge Dismisses Blakeman's Transgender Ban Challenge Against AG James

MINEOLA, NY — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who sought to reverse a cease and desist order by Attorney General Letitia James regarding his transgender ban for athletics, a spokesperson for James said.

James filed the motion last month that led to Friday's ruling against Blakeman.

"This decision is a tremendous victory for justice and the rule of law, but our work here is not done. County Executive Blakeman’s executive order is transphobic, and we have no room for hate in New York," James said in a statement Friday. "It’s past time for Nassau County to rescind this order and treat all our communities with the basic respect and dignity they deserve."

Blakeman responded: "I am shocked that a federal judge with a background as a Civil Liberties Union lawyer would not give girls and women their day in court. We vehemently disagree with the decision and will appeal."

The two politicans have been embroiled in legal maneuvering since his executive order was announced in February that banned transgender athletes from participating in women-only sports at county-run facilities.

Following the ban, James called for a cease and desist order, which was challenged in court by Blakeman.

Earlier this month, the attorney general filed a separate motion to have his challenge thrown out in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York. James' filing said, in part, that the lawsuit should be thrown out because the 11th Amendment bars claims against her office and the state.