Nebraska Governor Signs Transgender Sports Ban into Law
LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has officially signed a law that prohibits transgender students from participating in girls’ sports. This move positions Nebraska among a growing number of states implementing similar bans. The signing event was attended by lawmakers, female athletes, and notable advocates like former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, who has been vocal in support of restricting transgender participation in women’s sports.
The legislation narrowly passed in the Nebraska Legislature after overcoming a filibuster, with votes split along party lines. Originally, the bill aimed to also restrict transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity but was amended after Republican Senator Merv Riepe expressed opposition. This change was made to ensure the bill’s passage, highlighting the contentious nature of the discussions surrounding the legislation.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Kathleen Kauth, first introduced the measure in 2023 but faced setbacks due to debates over gender-affirming care for minors. While amendments later allowed some restrictions on gender-affirming surgeries for minors, discussions on broader issues concerning gender identity continue.
Senator Kauth has indicated plans to reintroduce the bathroom and locker room ban next year, stating, “Men are men and women are women,” and pressing voters to hold Riepe accountable.
Supporters of the bill argue that it protects female athletes and ensures fair competition. However, critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska, contend that this legislation addresses a non-existent issue, noting that fewer than ten transgender students have participated in sports over the last decade. ACLU Nebraska’s Executive Director, Mindy Rush Chipman, condemned the law, stating it "slams the door" on transgender students’ participation in their school communities, urging an end to the ongoing targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals in the state.
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