Nebraska Governor James Pillen has sparked both support and controversy with the signing of the Stand With Women Act.
At a Glance
- Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed a law banning transgender students from participating in girls’ sports.
- The law makes Nebraska the latest state to restrict transgender athletes from competing on women’s and girls’ teams.
- Opponents argue the law is discriminatory and doesn’t solve underlying issues.
- The signing event included notable supporters like former swimmer Riley Gaines.
- The measure passed after a close vote, overcoming a filibuster.
Nebraska’s Legislative Move
Nebraska’s Governor Jim Pillen has officially signed Legislative Bill 89, known as the “Stand With Women Act,” which mandates that student-athletes in public K-12 and college sports compete on teams that align with their biological sex. This bill places Nebraska among at least 24 states that have implemented similar restrictions on transgender athletes. The new law will go into effect on September 3, 2023.
The legislation garnered support from various women athletes and lawmakers, including Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer, who attended the signing ceremony. The bill’s path to enactment was not smooth, needing a decisive party-line vote to end a filibuster in the state legislature.
Contentious Elements
The law’s critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska, argue it excludes transgender individuals from fully participating in school sports, asserting it does more harm than good. Opponents also note that fewer than 10 transgender students have participated in school sports in Nebraska over the past decade, questioning the necessity of such legislation. Additionally, State Sen. Megan Hunt and advocacy group OutNebraska have condemned the bill, labeling it as harmful, especially towards transgender youth.
“This ban will only create problems, not solve any” – Mindy Rush Chipman.
Despite the opposition, proponents argue that the measure is crucial for maintaining fair competition in women’s sports. State Sen. Merv Riepe supported the bill after contentious provisions about bathrooms and locker rooms were dropped, emphasizing the focus was solely on sports fairness.
Future Prospects and Reactions
The initial proposal included controversial bathroom and locker room provisions, which were ultimately removed to ensure enough legislative support. However, the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Kathleen Kauth, plans to reintroduce these provisions in future sessions. “The work is not done. We’re going to continue,” Kauth stated at the signing ceremony.
“LB 89, as amended, respects that line. It focuses on competition, not surveillance. It protects sports, not panic.” – State Sen. Merv Riepe.
The debate over this legislation reflects wider national discussions about the balance between biological sex and gender identity in competitive sports. With such a contentious backdrop, further legislative actions in Nebraska will likely continue to draw significant attention and discussion from both sides of the aisle.
