Nebraska Legislature Passes Transgender Sports Participation Ban

Nebraska lawmakers passed Legislative Bill 89, known as the 'Stand With Women Act,' which requires transgender athletes to compete based on their biological sex assigned at birth, effectively barring transgender girls from participating in girls' sports teams. The bill, passed by a 33-16 vote largely along party lines, aims to protect female athletes' opportunities and ensure fairness in competitions, with supporters emphasizing biological differences and the prevention of competitive advantages. Governor Jim Pillen, who has supported such legislation for years, is expected to sign the bill into law. Opponents, including LGBTQ lawmakers and advocates, argue that the bill is discriminatory, harmful to transgender youth, and does not address real issues, noting that very few students are affected by the measure. Public testimony and legislative debate highlighted deep divisions, with opponents warning the bill contributes to hostility against transgender individuals, while supporters maintain it safeguards women's sports. Nebraska joins 26 other states with similar restrictions, marking it as one of the last Republican-led states to enact such a law.