Nassau Trans Sports Ban Challenged By Appeals Court: NYCLU

MINEOLA, NY — The New York Civil Liberties Union is challenging Nassau County's transgender sports ban, which was maintained in a January ruling by the Nassau County Supreme Court.

"At a time of unprecedented attacks against trans people across the country, it is all the more important that appellate courts reaffirm that anti-trans discrimination is prohibited by New York law," said Gabriella Larios, staff attorney at the New York Civil Liberties Union. "The county court’s ruling is inconsistent with longstanding state law, which makes clear that Nassau’s ban is discriminatory. We will never stop fighting for the right of transgender girls and women to participate in sports like everyone else. We are doubling down on that commitment with this appeal."

Earlier this year, the Nassau County Supreme Court denied the NYCLU’s motion to block the enforcement of a local law banning transgender girls and women from participating in girls’ and women’s sports at county-run facilities, while litigation continues.

Judge Bruce Cozzens said in his January ruling that he does not find that the local law "excludes transgender women and girls from the public facilities based on their gender identity."

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, however, said of the judge's decision: "I think we set the tone for the rest of the nation."

With regards to the latest legal challenge, Blakeman said: "As usual, the NYCLU is on the wrong side of this important issue and it’s tragic that they oppose fairness and safety in women’s sports."

The NYCLU lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Long Island Roller Rebels, a Nassau County recreational women’s flat track roller derby league.

“We are more determined than ever to continue our fight against Nassau County’s cruel and transphobic law,” said Curly Fry, president of the Roller Rebels. “The trans women playing on and volunteering for our team are vital parts of our organization, and we will not let them down."