An anti-trans order from Nassau County on Long Island is being challenged by the Long Island Roller Rebels.
Long Island Roller Rebels, a group that regulates roller derby, are suing a state head over a transgender equality law that would forbid trans women from playing on county-run parks and fields.
Long Island’s second smooth-track roller derby league, which formed in 2005, has taken legal action, backed by the New York Civil Liberties Union, over what’s being described as an “anti-trans” executive order that was issued this month by Nassau County on Long Island.
Women’s and women’s teams and teams with transgender players are prohibited from using county-run areas and fields by the order from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Blakeman has argued that his attempt, which is being weighed by at least two judges, as reported by Reuters, is needed to protect women and fairness.
He stated in an interview that “anyone who would argue that biological men are not bigger, larger, and faster than natural women is a fool.” However, the New York Civil Liberties Union has described it as “cruel” and “dangerous” – as well as “divisive”.
“We’ll do our very best to keep fighting”
The team’s vice president, Amanda Urena, stated in an interview with The Independent that “we want transgender women to know that we want you to come play with us, and we’ll do our very best to keep fighting and making sure that this is a secure place for you to play.”
Urena, who plays under the name “Curly Fry,” claims that the ban will make it harder to find and network competitions with different teams because Long Island Roller Rebels is open to anyone, including trans players.
“If people gave up playing sports because they thought they were going to lose, we wouldn’t have a sports industry,” they told The Independent. “Playing against people who are faster and stronger helps me improve, I love it.”
Letitia James, the state attorney general, has demanded that the ban be lifted because it is in violation of state anti-discrimination rules.
New York is one of the 22 states that outlaws discrimination based on gender identity.
The recent spate of transgender athletes’ criticism has included the Nassau County attempt. UK Labour leader Keir Starmer announced only two weeks ago that he supports transgender sports bans.
Last year, Caitlyn Jenner added fuel to the fire. The former Olympian turned Fox News critic, who is transgender, said trans people are not “real women” and called for genetic testing to be implemented in sports.
Also, in the last few months, a number of major sporting federations, including Badminton England, British Rowing, and Swim England, have barred transgender women from competing.
Long Island Roller Rebels is yet to comment for PinkNews.
