Appeals Court Strikes Down Nassau County Ban on Transgender Athletes at Public Facilities

A New York appeals court struck down Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's ban on transgender athletes competing in women's and girls' sports at county-owned facilities, ruling that such a prohibition violates New York State's anti-discrimination laws. The New York Civil Liberties Union filed the case in 2024 on behalf of the Long Island Roller Rebels, an all-women's roller derby team whose transgender members had been barred from playing at county rinks. NYCLU senior staff attorney Gabriella Larios called the ruling a significant victory, saying that any attempt to ban transgender girls from public spaces is prohibited by state law. Blakeman, who had justified the ban as protecting women, lost his gubernatorial bid to Hochul the same evening. Nassau County Attorney Thomas Adams indicated the county intends to continue the appeals process. The Roller Rebels can now compete at county-run facilities again.