Nassau County tried to ban transgender women from playing in women’s sports leagues at public parks—and they almost got away with it.

That ban would’ve affected over 100 facilities across Long Island. It would have forced teams like the Long Island Roller Rebels, a local roller derby league, to either go co-ed or lose access to the places they practice and compete. That’s not just unfair, it’s a direct attack on their identity, their league, and the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Thanks to the courage of the Roller Rebels and the New York Civil Liberties Union, a state appeals court stepped in and blocked the ban—at least for now.

But the fight isn’t over. County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Republican-controlled legislature still want this law on the books. They’re using taxpayer dollars to defend it in court, even though it’s already been ruled unconstitutional once before.

This law is cruel, unnecessary, and clearly discriminatory. It targets trans women just for being who they are. And it puts politics ahead of people—especially the women, trans and cis, who make up community teams across Nassau County.

Sports should be a place where everyone feels safe, seen, and welcome. No one should be kicked off the field because of their gender identity.

We’re calling on Nassau County to repeal this ban immediately and commit to protecting the rights of all athletes, transgender and cisgender alike.

This isn’t about winning medals or gaining advantages. It’s about basic fairness and the freedom to play, belong, and be yourself. The courts have spoken. Now it’s time for our elected leaders to listen.

Sign this petition to tell Nassau County lawmakers: Stop wasting time and money on discrimination. End the trans athlete ban for good.

Photo:  ABC7NY