Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
February 7, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rita Sanders | Bills Heard: 1 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB89: Stand with Women Act - Protections for women and girls in athletics, facilities, and state agencies
Introduced by: Sen. Kathleen Kauth | Testimony: 471 proponents, 1547 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska lawmakers heard more than 1,500 written comments opposing a bill that would restrict bathroom and locker room access based on biological sex, far outpacing 471 supporters. The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee held an extended hearing on LB89, the "Stand with Women Act," that lasted past 11:59 p.m. Friday, with testimony from athletes, parents, medical professionals, and civil rights advocates.
Why it matters: The bill would require schools and state agencies to designate restrooms and locker rooms by biological sex and restrict athletic participation accordingly. Supporters argue it protects women's safety and fairness in sports. Opponents warn it creates enforcement nightmares, invites harassment of cisgender women who don't conform to gender stereotypes, and puts transgender people at risk.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Biological differences between males and females significantly impact athletic performance," said Dr. Greg Brown, an exercise physiologist. Former track athlete Selina Soule testified she lost opportunities competing against two males identifying as girls who won 15 state championships. - Opponents: "Transgender people are disproportionately victims of violence, not perpetrators," testified Dr. Leslie Dvorak, a nurse practitioner. A 15-year-old transgender student said the bill would out him at school and lead to bullying. Medical and psychological associations warned the bill increases suicide risk among transgender youth.
By the numbers: 1,547 written opponents vs. 471 proponents. Fewer than 10 transgender athletes have used the existing NSAA policy since 2017. Research cited shows transgender girls on hormone therapy often have lower testosterone than cisgender girls.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Kauth said she's willing to work with the committee on enforcement mechanisms, which emerged as the central concern during testimony. The bill faces significant skepticism from Sens. Cavanaugh, Hunt, and Guereca over implementation details.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Bob Andersen, Sen. Dan Lonowski Skeptical: Sen. John Cavanaugh, Sen. Dunixi Guereca Opposed: Sen. Megan Hunt Unclear: Sen. Dan McKeon, Sen. Dave Wordekemper
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The hearing on LB89 was conducted as an annotated hearing due to the large number of testifiers. Testimony followed the standard format: one hour of proponents, one hour of opponents, neutral testimony, then cycling back through proponents and opponents. The hearing extended past the normal closing time, with the final opponent testifying at approximately 11:59 p.m. Committee Chair Sanders praised the testifiers for their patience and noted the extended nature of the hearing. The hearing included testimony from Gov. Jim Pillen, multiple athletes, medical professionals, civil rights organizations, and parents. Online position comments totaled 471 proponents, 1,547 opponents, and 1 neutral.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.