Mineola, New York – Olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner voiced her support on Monday for a local New York official’s decision to ban female sports teams with transgender athletes from using county-owned facilities. The ban, put in place by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, covers over 100 athletic facilities in New York City’s Long Island suburbs. Jenner, who transitioned to a transgender woman in 2015, expressed concerns that allowing transgender athletes to compete against women would have lasting negative effects on women’s sports.
Jenner’s stance on the issue has sparked controversy, with the LGBT Network, a Long Island-based advocacy group, criticizing her comments as contradictory to her own identity. The group’s president, David Kilmnick, described Jenner’s position as not only hypocritical but also harmful to the LGBTQ community. Despite criticisms, Jenner maintained her belief that protecting women’s sports from the inclusion of transgender athletes is essential to preserving the integrity of female athletics.
Blakeman, a Republican official elected in 2021, issued an executive order in February mandating that teams seeking permits from the county’s parks and recreation department must designate whether they are for male, female, or coed athletes. Any teams labeled as “female” would be denied permits if they permit transgender athletes to participate. The ban encompasses all Nassau County-owned facilities, including various sports venues like ballfields, basketball courts, and swimming pools.
In response to the ban, the Long Island Roller Rebels, a local women’s roller derby league, challenged the county order in court, arguing that it violates New York state anti-discrimination laws. Legal battles have ensued, with the New York Civil Liberties Union filing a lawsuit against Blakeman’s order on behalf of the league. Attorney General Letitia James condemned the ban as “transphobic and discriminatory,” asserting that it goes against state laws protecting LGBTQ rights.
Blakeman defended his decision, stating that the ban aims to ensure fair play and prevent potential injuries to girls and women competing against transgender athletes. Despite criticisms and legal challenges, Blakeman remains firm in his belief that the ban is necessary to uphold the integrity and fairness of women’s sports. The controversy surrounding transgender athletes in sports is part of a broader national debate, with similar restrictions being implemented in various states across the country.