New York Court Crushes Nassau’s Trans Sports Ban

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman proposed a ban that would stop female transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports in county parks, but it was struck down by a New York judge with an executive order .

Less Than 1.5%

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Carlo Prearo

At this point in America’s long and difficult relationship with its transgender citizens, these individuals make up less than 1.5% of the population, but remain a constant source of contention across the political aisle.

The Newest Ban

Image Credit: Shutterstock / yanishevska

Among this small percentage of the population, there is an even smaller number of transgender athletes who are forced to be at the center of mainstream media and political arguments like the newest ban from Bruce Blakeman.

Judge Ruling

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff

Judge Francis Ricigliano ruled that the ban was issued without the proper legal authority or legislative support that Blakeman would need to make such a wide sweeping decision.

Beyond Blakemen’s Authority

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Denis—S

After his ruling, Judge Ricigliano wrote, “This Court finds the County Executive acted beyond the scope of his authority as the Chief Executive Officer of Nassau County.”

Long Island Roller Rebels

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Lund

Blakemen’s order was originally challenged by a local women’s roller derby league known as the Long Island Roller Rebels who made Judge Ricigliano aware of the situation.

Violating Gendra

Image Credit: Shutterstock / KOTOIMAGES

The Roller Rebels went to the judge and alleged that the new ban was discriminatory and violated New York’s Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA).

Representing the Rebels

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rawpixel.com

Representing the Roller Rebels was the The New York Civil Liberties Union, who  cited state anti-discrimination laws that prohibit discrimination based on gender identity.

Denying Access

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sergey Nivens

In their argument the New York Civil Liberties Union said, “Public accommodations cannot deny transgender people access to programs and activities consistent with their gender identity.”

A Massive Victory

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Studio Romantic

President of the Long Island Roller Rebels, Amanda Urena, celebrated the final decision as a massive victory for inclusivity and transgender rights supporters.

Like Everyone Else

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Lund

Urena said, “Today’s decision is a victory for those who believe that transgender people have the right to participate in sports just like everyone else.”

Belonging Everywhere

Image Credit: Shutterstock / wellphoto

Urena went on to say,  “County Executive Blakeman’s order tried to punish us just because we believe in inclusion and stand against transphobia. Trans people belong everywhere, including in sports, and they will not be erased.”

All Across the County

Image Credit: Shutterstock / sirtravelalot

If the ban had been passed without the Roller Rebel’s challenge, it would have affected more than 100 athletic facilities in Nassau County, which include ballfields, courts, pools, and ice rinks.

Another Failed Attempt

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff

In a related case, a federal judge also rejected Blakeman’s attempt to prevent the state attorney from intervening and taking legal action against his proposed ban.

Blatantly Illegal

Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin

As New York Attorney General Letitia James developed her strategy to take down the ban, she called the executive order “transphobic and blatantly illegal.”

Perfectly Clear

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ben Von Klemperer

James went on to say, “The law is perfectly clear: you cannot discriminate against a person because of their gender identity or expression. We have no room for hate or bigotry in New York.”

Making Sports Accessible

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Me dia

After the decision was made, the New York Civil Liberties Union also celebrated it and highlighted the importance of sports and their accessibility for all.

Cheap Political Points

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

 The New York Civil Liberties Union said they were proud to overturn a harmful policy that attempted to “score cheap political points by peddling harmful stereotypes about transgender women and girls.”

Challenging the Decision

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Motortion Films

However, not everyone was pleased with the decision. Blakemen quickly dismissed the ruling and announced his intentions to challenge the decision.

Avoiding Merits

Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin

Blakemen said, “The plaintiffs conceded that I had the authority to issue the Executive Order and the judge on his own went out of his way to avoid ruling on the merits.”

21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False

Image Credit: Pexels / Pixabay

The Bible is one of the most discussed and debated books in history, yet many common beliefs about it are more myth than fact. How many of these misconceptions have you heard before? 21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False

21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America

Image Credit: Shutterstock / AlessandroBiascioli

Racism in America isn’t always overt; it often hides in plain sight through subtle actions and attitudes. How many of these subtle racisms have you noticed around you? 21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America

This post first appeared on Pulse of Pride.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / mariakray.

+ posts