MINEOLA, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- Caitlyn Jenner visited Long Island Monday to support Nassau County Bruce Blakeman's controversial executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports at county-run facilities.
Jenner, a former gold medal-winning Olympic athlete, is among the most high-profile transgender people in America. She's been outspoken about her identity and transition, even starring in the reality show "I Am Cait," though her views on some issues have put her at odds with many in the LGBTQ community.
Jenner and Blakeman, both Republicans, appeared together Monday at the county executive building in Mineola, where Jenner traveled from California to back the order that Blakeman signed last month.
"I flew here this morning to stand with Nassau County in their fight for the protection of women and girls in sports," Jenner said from the podium. "Let's lead the way for all sports."
Jenner, 74, said that as a trans person she has "empathy for all LGBT people," but she said "biological realities exist that provide for advantages and even lead to physical harm when trans women or biological males compete in sports against women."
"We are at a crossroads," Jenner said. "Athletic governing bodies, judicial systems, executive actions, legislative bodies are all grappling with how to handle the topic of trans athletes."
Jenner slammed New York Attorney General Letitia James for working to overturn the Nassau's ban, accusing the state's top prosecutor of "using LGBT people for political gain."
"If the left wants to fight this battle on this hill, it's a losing battle," Jenner said, pointing to federal protections for women and girls.
Proponents and opponents of restrictions on transgender athletes point to a limited number of studies to support their viewpoints. Supporters of restrictions also often assert that the participation of transgender women encroaches on the space that the federal law known as Title IX carved out for cisgender women and girls.
Jenner is no stranger to the world of sports—prior to her transition in 2015, she won gold in the men's decathlon at the 1976 Olympic Games.
Blakeman said the order has always been about fair sports competitions and not discriminating against trans people.
"As I've said before, my executive order has one goal, and that is to make sure that competition is fair and safe here in Nassau County and that we protect women and girls," he said.
Reacting to Jenner's support for the ban, David Kilmnick, the president of the New York LGBT Network, said in a statement that "Caitlyn Jenner's support for anti-LGBT initiatives stands as a baffling contradiction to her own identity and the struggles she has faced as a transgender woman."
"Embracing policies or ideologies that undermine the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals is not only hypocritical but also harmful," Kilmnick said.
Kilmnick's statement continued: "Jenner's alignment with such positions not only perpetuates discrimination but also adds fuel to the rising number of violent and hate incidents committed against transgender individuals. It is disheartening to witness someone who has experienced the challenges of being marginalized actively contribute to the oppression of others within the same community. Such actions only serve to amplify the voices of intolerance and detract from the collective efforts towards a more inclusive society."
Blakeman's order has faced criticism since he signed it in on Feb. 22.
Under the order, representatives from girls’ sports teams and leagues have to affirm in writing that transgender athletes are not competing in girls’ sports to obtain licenses and use permits at about 100 county-run or county-owned athletic facilities or ball fields. The facilities are used by public schools, private schools and colleges.
The New York Civil Liberties Union sued the county last week over the ban, arguing the policy violates New York’s Human Rights Law and Civil Rights Law, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.
"Trans people who play sports need support and affirmation, not to be a political target," said Gabriella Larios, staff attorney at the NYCLU, said in a statement.
"Nassau County’s cynical attempt to shut them out of public spaces is a blatant violation of our state’s civil and human rights laws," Larios said. "It also speaks to growing, nationwide attacks against LGBTQ+ rights, and we won’t stand for this hatred here in New York."
Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, said Blakeman was "trying to score cheap political points by putting a target on the backs of some of our state's most vulnerable children."
James, also a Democrat, sent a cease-and-desist order to the county demanding that it rescind the order or face legal action—prompting Blakeman to sue the attorney general's office, arguing James' letter violates the U.S. Constitution's "equal protection" clause.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.