Jenner, who came out as a transgender woman in 2015, expressed her belief that transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete in women's sports, citing concerns about opportunities and physical harm.

The ban was signed into effect by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman on February 22, prompting Jenner to speak out at a news conference in Mineola, New York on Monday. Supported by statistics from the Movement Advancement Project, which stated that half of the states had implemented similar bans since 2020, Jenner argued that transgender women competing against women would take away opportunities that have long been protected under Title IX and potentially cause physical harm.

However, Jenner's support of the ban has raised concerns among LGBTQ advocates. David Kilmnick, president of the New York LGBT Network, criticized Jenner for what he called a "baffling contradiction to her own identity." Kilmnick expressed fears that Jenner's high-profile endorsement of the ban may contribute to the bullying of transgender youth.

The ban has faced opposition from various quarters. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, both Democrats, have publicly spoken out against the order. James even challenged the ban in court with a "cease and desist letter," asserting that it violates the state's anti-discrimination laws and describing it as "transphobic."

In response, Blakeman's legal team filed a lawsuit alleging that James' "cease and desist" letter violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Blakeman defended the ban as necessary to protect cisgender girls and women from potential injuries while playing sports, emphasizing that the measure does not apply to men's sports teams.

The ban has now become the subject of a lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), claiming it discriminates against transgender individuals based on gender identity. The NYCLU is representing a women's roller derby league in Nassau County that welcomes trans women, but would be prohibited from using county facilities under Blakeman's executive order. The organization argues that the ban infringes upon the civil and human rights laws of the state.

Blakeman, undeterred by the legal challenges, affirmed on Monday that his legal team would defend against both James' "cease and desist" letter and the NYCLU's lawsuit. Meanwhile, Kilmnick of the New York LGBT Network asserted that athletic governing bodies should have the autonomy to establish their own standards regarding the participation of trans women in women's sports, warning against government intervention and its potential repercussions.

The clash between advocates of transgender rights and those concerned about maintaining fairness in women's sports continues in Nassau County, with legal battles likely to determine whether the ban on transgender athletes will stand or be overturned.