Nassau County exec vows to appeal after judge strikes down trans sports

An effort by Nassau County to ban transgender women from competing in women’s sports was struck down by a State Supreme Court judge Friday — a decision County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he will “absolutely” appeal.

In his decision Judge Francis Ricigliano held that Blakeman didn’t have the authority to take action against transgender athletes through his Executive Order.

“Lack of courage from a Judge who didn’t want to decide the case on its merits. Unfortunately, girls and women are hurt by the Court,” Blakeman said in a statement after the decision.

In February, Blakeman signed the order banning female sports teams and leagues from using Nassau County’s athletic spaces and facilities — unless they pledged to keep out transgender female athletes. The decision was widely popular locally. And similar bans are broadly supported by majorities of Americans, polling shows.

“The plaintiffs conceded that I had the authority to issue the Executive Order and the judge on his own went out of his way to avoid ruling on the merits,” Blakeman told The Post.

The Nassau ban was immediately challenged by critics. New York Attorney General Letitia James called the measure discriminatory,” “transphobic” and “illegal” — and sent the county a cease and desist letter.

Amanda Urena, president of the Long Island Roller Rebels which filed the original suit was triumphant.

“Today’s decision is a victory for those who believe that transgender people have the right to participate in sports just like everyone else,” Urena said in a statement, ABC News reported.

“County Executive Blakeman’s order tried to punish us just because we believe in inclusion and stand against transphobia. Trans people belong everywhere, including in sports, and they will not be erased.”