LINCOLN, NE — Today, Independent Women applauds Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen for signing the Stand with Women Act of 2025 (Legislative Bill 89) into law, codifying the governor’s earlier common-sense executive order to establish a Women’s Bill of Rights.

The 2023 Executive Order, based on Independent Women’s Voice’s Stand With Women model legislation, made Nebraska the fourth state to adopt Independent Women’s sex definitions and protect nearly one million women in the state. Today, 15 states have enacted the same language to defend the rights of women.

Now signed into law by Governor Pillen, the Stand with Women Act will:

  • Define common sex-based terms in administrative procedure, such as “woman,” “man,” “female,” and “male,” and,
  • Protect males from playing in women’s sports.

Governor Jim Pillen said: “We cannot ignore that girls and women have the right to a level playing field when it comes to sports. Otherwise, we are denying them opportunities to compete and win, earn scholarships and develop their own athletic abilities. LB 89 ensures they are protected. It codifies my executive order of August 2023 – establishing a Women’s Bill of Rights – and it also aligns with President Trump’s executive order issued in February.”

GOVERNOR PILLEN SIGNS THE STAND WITH WOMEN ACT INTO LAW, BECOMING THE 28TH STATE TO PROTECT WOMEN’S SPORTS

“In 2023 I met with Governor Pillen and mentioned the Women’s Bill of Rights model legislation that defines ‘woman’ as a critically important step states needed to take to preserve women’s rights. At the time only three states had codified such language. Days later, Governor Pillen signed sex-based definitions into law through executive action,” said Riley Gaines, Host of Outkick’s Gaines for Girls Podcast. “Two years later, and after countless hours spent advocating for the importance of defining ‘woman’ and protecting women’s sports and spaces, Sen. Kauth and her colleagues have achieved a remarkable victory for Nebraskans. Today, the Women’s Bill of Rights has evolved into an even more powerful legislative package and the Stand with Women Act of 2025 is being signed into law. I am so proud to have been a part of this multi-year fight for women’s rights and be here in Lincoln to watch Nebraska become the 28th state to protect women’s sports.”

Payton McNabb, Independent Women sports ambassador and former high school athlete, said: “Thank you Governor Pillen and Sen. Kauth for prioritizing women and girls. By signing the Stand with Women Act into law today, Nebraska is codifying Governor Pillen’s early action to reclaim language and protect women’s sports. I am so proud to be here today and witness this historic moment. Thank you, Nebraska, for Standing with Women.”

Independent Women is thrilled to see this law go into effect, after testifying in support of Stand with Women legislation for the past two years. Watch the ceremonial signing here.

Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wyoming, Nebraska, and soon Texas have all adopted laws inspired by Independent Women Voice’s Stand With Women model, positively affecting the lives of over 44 million women and girls.

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Independent Women’s Voice fights for women by expanding support for policy solutions that aren’t just well-intended, but actually enhance freedom, opportunities, and well-being.