New York Roller Derby League Loses Bid to Temporarily Block Ban on Trans Athletes
Judge Denies Request for Temporary Injunction
A New York roller derby league, the Long Island Roller Rebels, has lost its bid to temporarily block a local ban on transgender female athletes. Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Bruce Cozzens on Tuesday denied the league’s request to prevent the county from enforcing its ban while the lawsuit is pending.
Ban on Transgender Female Athletes
In July, local lawmakers in Nassau County, east of New York City, banned transgender women and girls from playing on female sports teams at the county’s roughly 100 parks and recreational facilities. The ban was enacted through a local law, which was signed by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican.
Judge’s Ruling
Judge Cozzens determined that the new law does not exclude transgender women and girls from public facilities based on their gender identities, as they can still play in coed sports leagues. He ruled that allowing transgender women to play in female sports creates additional risk of injury and potential liability for the local government.
“There can be no question (even without discovery) that a biological male regardless of transitioning would be possessed of greater athleticism and speed, strength, muscle mass, stronger hearts, and greater bone density,” Cozzens wrote. “The goal of the local law is to provide a safe environment for individuals who are born female to play.”
League’s Reaction
The roller derby league and the New York Civil Liberties Union, which filed the lawsuit on the league’s behalf, expressed disappointment with the ruling and intend to appeal it while their litigation proceeds.
Quote from NYCLU Staff Attorney
Gabriella Larios, a staff attorney for the NYCLU, called the judge’s ruling an “outlier” that is inconsistent with other court decisions and state laws protecting human rights and civil rights.
Quote from Roller Rebels President
Amanda “Curly Fry” Urena, president of the Roller Rebels, added, “At a time of rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate and violence across the country, keeping this ban intact is not only cruel, but it is also dangerous. We hope that New York’s courts will ultimately strike down this unlawful ban and acknowledge it for what it is — transphobic and unjust.”
County Executive’s Statement
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman applauded the decision, calling it “common sense.” He stated, “They have a competitive advantage. It’s unfair, and it’s also unsafe.”
Conclusion
The ruling comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order rolling back protections for transgender people, which declares that the federal government will recognize only two immutable sexes: male and female.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the impact of the ruling?
A: The ruling allows Nassau County to enforce its ban on transgender female athletes, which prohibits them from playing on female sports teams at the county’s parks and recreational facilities.
Q: What is the next step for the roller derby league and the NYCLU?
A: The league and the NYCLU will appeal the ruling and continue to challenge the ban in court.
Q: What is the reasoning behind the judge’s decision?
A: The judge ruled that allowing transgender women to play in female sports creates additional risk of injury and potential liability for the local government.
