MINEOLA, NY — The contentious Nassau County executive’s attempt to ban trans athletes from participating in women’s single sports is getting severe pushback from New York Attorney General Letitia James.
James said on X, previously known as Online, Friday that she is demanding County Executive Bruce Blakeman to “immediately retract his transphobic and illegal attempt within 5 days, or I will not hesitate to take decisive legal action.”
But, Blakeman addressed the notice he received from James.
“The attorney general’s effect is contrary to the law,” Blakeman said. “Nassau County did abide by the law. We will pursue the law.”
The state executive, though, feels the nature of his executive order leaves it vague.
“We would ask the attorney general or her staff to meet with our state prosecutor and our attorneys to discuss this matter because we believe, not only is the executive order legal and constitutional, but we believe by not doing so, we would be violating children’s rights,” Blakeman said.
Bobby Hodgson, the New York Civil Liberties Union’s director of LGBTQ rights litigation, told Patch last week that the move by Nassau is “illegal under New York state law.” “We have a state’s human rights law and a state civil rights law that prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity.”
Blakeman said Friday “women and girls are a protected category under the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York. We may protect people from harassment by trans men who want to compete against natural women, which surely changes the playing field. It is something that we believe is wrong.”
Blakeman’s order prevents trans athletes from participating in women’s sports at locations across the county.
“Today’s action by Attorney General James should serve as a clear warning to other elected officials: attempting to discriminate against LGBTQ people will not go unchallenged- don’t even think about it for a second,” The LGBT Network’s David Kilmnick said.
Also adding his voice to the chorus in support of James’ approach is Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker (D- Plainview), who wrote in a statement: “I applaud Attorney General James for emphatically denouncing the County Executive’s brazen attempt for exactly what it is- unlawful, mean-spirited bias against the trans community that has nothing to do with his role as County Executive.”
Blakeman said James’ stance “may have a chilling effect on children’s sports events in New York State if it’s pursued.”
