Nassau County exec says trans bill fights for female athletes – slams Letitia James for accusing him of ‘discrimination’

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman slammed Attorney General Letitia James Friday, after she sent him a cease and desist letter that ordered him to end his recent ban on transgender athletes in girls’ sports.

James’ missive called the Long Island county’s prohibition on biological males in female sports “discriminatory,” “transphobic” and “illegal” — but Blakeman stuck to his guns and said he had every right to give the order in an effort that he sees as protecting women.

“This is not discriminatory, it does not violate any federal estate law and it certainly supports the Constitution of the United States and the State of New York. We will be willing to engage with Attorney General James and her staff to discuss this and debate it,” he said a press conference Friday.

“I think that the Attorney General’s reaction is contrary to the law.”

Blakeman, 68, last week forbade transgender athletes from using the county’s 100 ballfields and athletics facilities to participate in girl’s sports.

“My [executive order] stops the bullying of women and girls by transgender males who have many outlets to compete without putting the safety and security of females in danger,” he defended himself on X.

“In Nassau, we will continue to fight for females’ right to be safe, secure, and have a level playing field to compete.”

The Nassau politician is confident that his order does not violate the Constitutions of the United States or New York, he said a press conference.

James’ office argues that the executive order is in “clear violation of New York’s Civil and Human Rights Laws” because it “discriminates against transgender women and girls on their rosters,” she said in a press release.

“The law is perfectly clear: You cannot discriminate against a person because of their gender identity or expression. We have no room for hate or bigotry in New York,” James said. “This executive order is transphobic and blatantly illegal. Nassau County must immediately rescind the order, or we will not hesitate to take decisive legal action.”

She argued the order forces girls’ teams to undergo “intrusive and invasive questioning and other verification requirements.”

Blakeman disagreed saying: “When we did the executive order, it was very clear that biological males who are transgender would have other opportunities to compete, they would not be foreclosed from sports competitions in Nassau County because it would be the wrong thing to do,” he said, reiterating that the county “welcomes” any lifestyle.

He invites the AG’s Office to meet with his county attorney to “discuss this matter” because he believes the order is legal and rescinding it would be “violating women’s rights.”

Blakeman argues that Nassau County giving transgender athletes “other avenues” bypasses the law-breaking James accuses him of. Transgender athletes will be able to play on male or co-ed teams, Blakeman said.

“All-girl and all-female teams are entitled to be just that,” he said.

The County Executive said he has received fan mail from residents regarding the bill, including from a 16-year-old girl.

“They’ve had enough,” he said, referring to young girls in sports. “They don’t want unfair competition, and they don’t want to subject themselves to other things that put them in danger and in jeopardy, like sharing locker rooms with biological males.

“We’re confident we’re on the right side of the law.”

Transgender athletes have created quite the buzz in the last year as former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas sweep up women’s titles after competing as a male for three years.

Last week, a Massachusetts private school stood by a transgender athlete who allegedly injured three players from an opposing team.

When asked about Blakeman’s response to her letter, James office sent a statement reiterating the law and again describing his order as “discrimination.”