Court Blocks Nassau's Trans Sports Ban, Citing Anti-Discrimination Protections

The New York State Appellate Division, Second Department, has temporarily blocked enforcement of Nassau County's law banning transgender women and girls from participating in women's sports at county-run facilities, marking a pivotal development in a protracted legal battle. The ruling, issued on October 8, 2025, halts the enforcement of the ban while litigation continues, following a lower court's recent upholding of the law earlier that week. The decision was hailed by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) as a "clear signal" that the county cannot discriminate against transgender athletes based on gender identity .

The controversy began in February 2024 when Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman introduced an executive order prohibiting trans women and girls from competing in female sports at county facilities. The order, initially struck down by a state Supreme Court judge in May 2024 for exceeding executive authority, was later codified into law by the county legislature in June 2024 along party lines. The law has since been challenged by the NYCLU and the Long Island Roller Rebels, a women's flat track roller derby team that includes transgender athletes. The team filed a lawsuit in July 2024, arguing the ban violates New York's anti-discrimination laws .

The appellate court's decision centered on the potential impact of the ban on the Roller Rebels. Judges ruled that forcing the league to become coed would "change the identity of the league," risking its standing with national governing bodies and undermining its ability to compete and grow . This aligns with the NYCLU's argument that the law is not merely a policy choice but a discriminatory measure that excludes transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. Gabriella Larios, an NYCLU attorney, emphasized that the ruling reaffirmed "longstanding state law," which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity .

Nassau County has defended the law as necessary to "protect the integrity and safety of women's sports," with Blakeman asserting that transgender women pose a risk of injury to cisgender participants. However, the appellate division noted that the law does not categorically exclude transgender athletes from sports, as they may still participate in coed or men's leagues . This distinction, however, has been criticized as insufficient by advocates, who argue that the law's primary effect is to marginalize transgender women from spaces they have historically occupied.

The legal battle has drawn national attention, with the NYCLU filing an appeal on March 3, 2025, to challenge the lower court's January 2025 ruling upholding the ban. The state attorney general's office has also pursued a separate lawsuit, highlighting the broader implications of the case for anti-discrimination protections. Curly Fry, president of the Long Island Roller Rebels, stated the team remains "more determined than ever" to fight the law, calling it "cruel and transphobic" and emphasizing that transgender women are "vital parts" of their community .

The case now rests with the Appellate Division, which will determine whether the lower court's ruling was legally sound. Meanwhile, the Roller Rebels continue to seek permits for upcoming games at county facilities, which remain pending. The outcome of this litigation could set a precedent for similar disputes across New York and beyond, particularly as federal debates over transgender athlete participation persist.

Source: [1] Hoodline (https://hoodline.com/2025/10/new-york-appellate-court-issues-temporary-restraining-order-on-nassau-county-s-transgender-sports-ban/)

[2] Gothamist (https://gothamist.com/news/ny-appeals-court-temporarily-blocks-enforcement-of-nassau-countys-transgender-ban)

[3] Bloomberg Law (https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/ny-court-blocks-long-island-transgender-sports-ban-for-now)

[4] Long Island Press (https://www.longislandpress.com/2025/03/06/nyclu-nassau-trans-athlete-ban/)

[5] The Center Square (https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_york/article_45e92a99-7a38-406c-9572-73dfccec69d5.html)

[6] NYCLU Press Release (https://www.nyclu.org/press-release/nyclu-to-keep-fighting-after-lower-court-upholds-nassau-trans-sports-ban-amid-pending-appeal)