New York County Executive Bruce Blakeman has taken legal action against State Attorney General Letitia James to prevent her from halting his executive order banning transgender women and girls from participating in county-run facility events. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in the Eastern District of New York, represents Nassau County residents, including Blakeman himself, a 16-year-old female volleyball player, and her parents.
Last week, Attorney General James demanded that Blakeman revoke his executive order immediately, asserting that the ban on transgender athletes violates state law. In response, James sent Blakeman a cease-and-desist letter, warning of further legal consequences if he did not rescind the order within five days.
In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs argue that men have historically received more recognition and opportunities than women, despite significant progress in women’s sports. They contend that allowing biological males to compete alongside biological females undermines this progress and creates an unsafe environment.
Blakeman took to social media, specifically X (formerly Twitter), to announce the lawsuit, stating that it was filed “on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of women and girls in Nassau County” to safeguard women’s sports and ensure a secure environment. He emphasized that bullying of women and girls would not be tolerated.
During a press conference in late February, Blakeman clarified that transgender athletes, regardless of their gender identity, are permitted to compete in all-boys or coed leagues in Nassau County. The executive order extends to over 100 public venues, including parks, baseball fields, basketball courts, swimming pools, and ice rinks.
The plaintiffs have requested that the court halt enforcement of the Human Rights Law against Blakeman’s executive order and affirm its legality. The Hill has reached out to Attorney General James’ office for additional comments on the lawsuit.
