The Nebraska legislature is holding up a vote on the Stand with Women Act (Legislative Bill 89), introduced by Sen. Kathleen Kauth. This Act would codify sex-based terms, such as “female” and “male,” and safeguard single-sex spaces and opportunities, including locker rooms and athletics.
The Stand with Women Act is essential to prevent sex discrimination against women and girls that is happening everywhere, even here in Nebraska.
As a coordinator, captain, and player in a volleyball league, I am committed to fostering a spirit of fellowship and fairness in our league. After taking a season off due to injury, I discovered that an interim coordinator and captain had attempted to pass off a male player as a female player to gain a competitive advantage.
Allowing males to compete in women’s categories, even in low-stakes recreational sports, sets a dangerous precedent and puts female athletes at risk of injury.
This bill simply ensures that spaces and opportunities designed for women remain fair and inclusive for females. Fortunately, leaders are waking up across the country and passing similar legislation with bipartisan support, and Nebraska needs to follow suit.
Some might ask if there is a need for this Act, given President Trump’s recent executive orders defining sex-based terms and ensuring equal athletic opportunity and Gov. Pillen’s executive order that defines male and female terms.
No matter how excellent an executive order is, its status is entirely dependent on whoever is in office at the moment. The legislature must act this year as over 80% of the country is in agreement that women’s sports and spaces should be protected.
Nebraska legislature, please pass the Stand with Women Act now and do the right thing for the over 900,000 women and girls across the state.
Melissa Money-Beecher is a member of Independent Women’s Network and manages 18 recreational adult volleyball teams around Lincoln, Nebraska.