The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York has ruled in favor of the Long Island Roller Rebels, a women's roller derby league, against Nassau County's Local Law No. 3-2024. This law prohibited the inclusion of transgender women in female sports competitions held on county property. The court's decision, made on November 4, 2026, is significant as it upholds the rights of transgender individuals in sports, emphasizing protections under New York's Human Rights Law.

The ruling affects not only the Long Island Roller Rebels but also sets a precedent for other sports leagues and organizations in New York that include transgender athletes. The decision is seen as a victory for civil rights advocates who argue that such laws discriminate against transgender individuals and violate their rights to participate in sports.

Background

The Long Island Roller Rebels, the appellant in this case, is a roller derby league that allows transgender women to compete. The league filed a lawsuit against Nassau County after the county legislature enacted Local Law No. 3-2024, which aimed to create a “safe and fair competitive environment” for women and girls in sports. However, the law specifically barred biological males from competing in female-designated sports, effectively excluding transgender women from participation.

The dispute reached the Appellate Division after the Supreme Court of Nassau County ruled against the Roller Rebels in October 2025. The lower court denied the league’s motion for summary judgment, which sought to block the enforcement of the local law, and instead granted the county's cross-motion to dismiss the case. The Roller Rebels appealed this decision, arguing that the local law violated their rights under the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) and the Civil Rights Law.

The Ruling

The Appellate Division reversed the lower court's decision, granting the Roller Rebels’ motion for summary judgment and denying the county's motion to dismiss. The court stated, “the local law's permitting scheme conflicts with, and is invalid as preempted by, the NYSHRL and Civil Rights Law § 40-c.” This means that the county's law was found to be inconsistent with state laws that protect individuals from discrimination based on gender identity.

The ruling emphasized that the NYSHRL prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their gender identity or expression. The court noted that “discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression is also sex discrimination,” reinforcing the legal protections afforded to transgender individuals in New York. The judges involved in the ruling included Betsy Barros, Deborah A. Dowling, Barry E. Warhit, and Lisa S. Ottley.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for the rights of transgender athletes in New York. It affirms that local governments cannot enact laws that undermine state protections against discrimination. The decision not only protects the Long Island Roller Rebels but also sets a precedent for other leagues and organizations that may face similar restrictions based on local laws.

The ruling is expected to encourage more inclusive policies in sports and other public accommodations, reinforcing the message that discrimination based on gender identity is unlawful. Advocates for transgender rights view this decision as a critical step toward equality in sports and beyond, potentially influencing other jurisdictions to reconsider similar laws.

What's Next

The county may consider appealing the decision, but it remains to be seen whether they will pursue this option. As of now, there are no related cases pending that directly challenge this ruling. The court has remitted the case back to the Supreme Court of Nassau County for the entry of a judgment declaring the local law invalid.