Online Petition Seeks To Reverse Athletic Ban For Transgender Women

MINEOLA, NY — One Nassau County legislator is calling for the reversal of banning transgender female athletes from participating in competitive sports at county-run facilities.

An executive order, signed last week by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, was condemned by the LGBT Network, which created an online petition in opposition to the ban.

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold Drucker (D-Plainview) is urging residents to sign the petition.

"As a proud and steadfast LGBTQ+ ally, I stand with the LGBT Network and the community in its outrage and resolve to see this hateful, unnecessary, and unlawful order overturned," Drucker said. "I strongly support the LGBT Network’s petition and encourage the public to join us in sending a clear message to the County Executive that he must immediately get out of the divisive culture wars and do the job he was elected for.”

Patch has attempted to reach Blakeman's office for comment.

State Attorney General Letitia James said they are reviewing legal options and the New York Civil Liberties Union's Bobby Hodgson told Patch: "This executive order, on its face, discriminates against people on the basis of gender identity. It is not legal in the state of New York."

The issue has reached Governor Hochul, who said in a statement: "There is nothing lower than trying to score cheap political points by putting a target on the backs of some of our state’s most vulnerable children. Now that the Nassau GOP’s fearmongering on immigration failed in NY-3, they’re resorting to a new divisive culture war attack: bullying trans kids. We’re proud New York has some of the nation’s strongest protections for the LGBTQ+ community and my Administration is committed to enforcing these laws."

The ban was expected to start immediately.