A New York appeals court on Wednesday, November 4, struck down a Nassau County law that kept males who identify as women or girls out of women's and girls' sports at county-owned facilities, Gothamist reported.
What the law did
The law barred teams designated for women and girls from using county-owned sports facilities if those teams allowed males who identify as female to compete. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman backed the law, which faced several legal challenges.
The lawsuits
Two separate lawsuits challenged the law. One was filed on behalf of the Long Island Roller Rebels, a women's roller derby league. The other was filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Both argued the law violated state laws that bar discrimination based on gender identity.
A lower court had upheld the law. The same appeals court had temporarily blocked it in October 2025 while the case continued.
El fallo
Wednesday's decision reversed the lower court. According to Gothamist, the appeals court found that Nassau County could not pass a local law that conflicted with the state's anti-discrimination protections. The court also ruled for the attorney general in her separate lawsuit against the same law.
James responded on X on Wednesday: "Transgender athletes have the right to play on the court or field like everyone else."
Nassau County plans to appeal
Nassau County said the fight is not over.
"We are reviewing the decision with the intention to continue the appeals process," county attorney Thomas Adams said, according to Gothamist.
The county could ask New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals, to hear the case. That court is not required to take it.
*Source: Gothamist.*
*Cover image: AI-generated graphic.*