Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Nassau County Legislature passes ban on transgender athletes
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 24, 2024
Modified Jun 25, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Steve Pfost/Newsday RM via Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 24, 2024
Modified Jun 25, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Nassau County officials on Monday voted in favor of a controversial ban that bars transgender girls and women from participating in local sports teams.
But the county will now face multiple legal challenges from civil rights groups and top Democrats in the state.
It’s the latest in months of back-and-forth between Republican County Executive Bruce Blakeman and dissenters after he signed an executive order in February – which essentially bars transgender women from participating in women’s sports teams lest sports leagues lose access to more than 100 county-run fields and facilities in the area . Blakeman’s executive order spurned criticism across civil rights advocates, a lawsuit from the New York Civil Liberties Union and outcry from top Democrats, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Kathy Hochul.
A Nassau County judge struck down the executive order last month – which Blakeman vowed to appeal.
On Monday, members of the Nassau County Legislature voted 12-5 in favor of a separate bill that upholds the ban. Blakeman said he looked forward to any legal challenges this measure would face, and he was merely fulfilling the wishes of those living on the suburban Long Island county, located just east of New York City.
“In every corner of the county, people have come up to me and said ‘You are doing the right thing. We are supporting you,’” Blakeman said at a press conference ahead of Monday’s vote. “I have had virtually no one come up and say the opposite.”
The New York Civil Liberties union immediately condemned the vote in a post on X, saying the measure was "hateful and blatantly illegal."
Local lawmakers and advocacy groups engaged in a fierce debate ahead of the vote. Members of the community, psychologists and other medical professionals also provided public testimony.
Some of the dissenters included lawmakers themselves.
“What this is – and it is abundantly clear – is that this is merely weaponizing an issue and that the only people who are going to suffer from it are members of the trans community,” Nassau Legislator Scott Davis said.
The vote led to chanting of “Shame!” from members of the public, who were present at the hearing – leading the Legislature to take a brief recess before continuing with the rest of its agenda.
Hochul’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This story has been updated to reflect comment from NYCLU.
Tagged
Politics
long island
sports
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Brad Lander says Israeli forces detained him during a West Bank olive harvest
IDF attacks during harvest season have drawn international condemnation.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 21, 2026 at 8:24 a.m. ET
George Washington Bridge reopens after fatal shooting; no arrests made
A 46-year-old man was shot to death on the bridge Tuesday evening.
By
Ryan Kost
News
George Washington Bridge reopens after fatal shooting; no arrests made
A 46-year-old man was shot to death on the bridge Tuesday evening.
By
Ryan Kost
NYC’s horse carriage drivers feel betrayed as lawmakers set to abolish industry
By
Liam Quigley
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
By
Jessica Gould
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .