Judge Strikes Down Transgender Athletes Ban In Nassau

MINEOLA, NY — A judge on Friday night struck down a Nassau County executive order banning female transgender athletes from participating in sports at county-run facilities.

A women's roller derby league, the Long Island Roller Rebels, sued County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

Judge Francis Ricigliano ruled: "The County Executive issued an Executive Order aimed at preventing transgender women from participating in girls' and women's athletics at Nassau County parks, despite there being no corresponding legislative enactment providing the County Executive with the authority to issue such an order."

The judge added: "In doing so, this Court finds the County Executive acted beyond the scope of his

authority as the Chief Executive Officer of Nassau County."

Blakeman reacted to the decision: “Lack of courage from a Judge who didn’t want to decide the case on its merits. Unfortunately, girls and women are hurt by the Court.”

Blakeman announced his controversial order in February and thus became the first state to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports on county property.

The LGBT Network's David Kilmnick said at the time that it "is nothing more than a pure political stunt."

The ban also drew the ire of Attorney General Letitia James who sought a cease and desist against Blakeman, who sued her.

"This is a major victory," James wrote on X. "In New York, it is illegal to discriminate against a person because of their gender identity or expression."