Transgender sports ban signed into law in Nassau County
NASSAU COUNTY (WABC) -- The highly controversial transgender sports ban in Nassau County was signed into law on Monday.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed the bill that he introduced, which prohibits transgender athletes from playing in women and girls' sports at county-owned athletic facilities.
The measure passed the Republican majority Nassau County Legislature in a 12-6 vote in June.
Republican Howard Kopel, who voted for the ban, said transgender females have a competitive advantage.
"It's a common-sense kind of measure because biological males, they're stronger, they're bigger, they're faster," Kopel said.
Marla Alpert, a transgender woman, said Kopel's claim is not true.
"I've transitioned, I've been through hormones for years now, most women who are athletes can cream me on a court," Alpert said.
With the signing of the bill into law, the ACLU has signaled that they plan to sue.
New York Attorney General Letitia James and the New York Civil Liberties Union simultaneously filed separate lawsuits against Nassau County and Blakeman.
New York LGBT Network President David Kilnick said the ban targets transgender youth and adults -- subjecting them to invasive screenings and bullying.
The NYCLU called the ban unlawful and discriminatory and identical to Blakeman's previous order that an NYCLU lawsuit prompted a Supreme Court judge to strike down last month.
James released a statement that said in part:
"Here in New York, every person has the right to be exactly who they are free from discrimination, and my office will always protect that right."
Blakeman fired back with his own statement, saying: "I am very disappointed that the Attorney General would attempt to frustrate Nassau County's desire to protect the integrity of women's sports."
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
