A Pivotal Ruling in Defense of Women’s Sports Rights
Justice Bruce Cozzens of the Supreme Court in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, recently delivered a significant victory for women’s rights by dismissing an effort led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to overturn legislation that safeguards female sports categories exclusively for women. Justice Cozzens stated:
“There can be no question (even without discovery) that a biological male, regardless of transitioning, would possess greater athleticism, speed, strength, muscle mass, stronger hearts, and greater bone density. The goal of the local law is to provide a safe environment for individuals who are born female to compete.”
The Case of the Roller Derby League
The controversy arose when a roller derby league sought to permit male participation in female divisions, while also demanding confidentiality regarding the transgender status of participants, leaving female athletes in the dark. Justice Cozzens expressed serious concerns about this request:
“The Plaintiff is not only requesting that transgender athletes be allowed on female teams but also that they remain undisclosed about their transgender identity. This raises an even greater risk to women, as they would be unaware—and presumably not allowed to inquire—if a player was biologically male. Common sense necessitates weight classifications in wrestling and boxing to protect individuals’ safety, a requirement that should similarly apply here.”
Upholding Title IX Protections
Crucially, the ruling also highlighted the county’s obligation under Title IX to defend women’s sports. Justice Cozzens noted, “The County asserts that its federal funding mandates compliance with Title IX,” emphasizing that allowing males to compete in female categories would make it “impossible to comply with Title IX.” He affirmed that Title IX does not extend to gender identity, referencing the Supreme Court case Department of Education, et. al. v. Louisiana et. al., 603 U.S. ___ (2024), which confirmed that Title IX, as currently written, does not recognize gender identity.
Legal Clarity for Women’s Rights
This clear legal reasoning aligns with President Trump’s initiative to reflect biological truths in federal policies across all legal areas. Acknowledging that applying biological reality does not discriminate against transgender individuals is vital for ensuring fairness and justice for women moving forward. Justice Cozzens concluded, “The Court has examined the Plaintiff’s arguments and determined that [the law safeguarding women’s sports] does not exclude transgender women and girls from public facilities based on gender identity. The Plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate any discrimination under the Human Rights Law and the Civil Rights Law.”
A Step Forward for Women’s Sports Advocacy
This ruling marks a significant move forward in the ongoing fight to protect women’s sports across the nation. It is essential to persist in our support for courageous judges who clearly articulate the principles of fairness, as Justice Cozzens did in this influential case.
