The Nevadans for Equal Rights Committee has filed an ethics complaint against Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, accusing him of misusing state resources for his “Task Force to Protect Women in Sports.”
But to many, this complaint seems like nothing more than political theater.
The complaint, filed under NRS 281A.400, alleges that Anthony improperly used government resources—including staff time, supplies, equipment, and travel expenses—to support his task force.
The task force, according to the committee, is not a legitimate government initiative but rather a vehicle for “anti-trans discrimination” in Nevada’s school sports programs.
Lindsey Harmon, a member of the Nevadans for Equal Rights Committee, didn’t hold back.
She called the task force “an attempt to distract the public and further marginalize the trans community in Nevada to score political points with some of the most extreme factions of the Republican party.”
But let’s take a step back and look at what the task force is really about.
At its core, Anthony’s task force aims to ensure fairness in women’s sports. The issue is simple: Should biological females compete against biological males in competitive sports?
Many parents, athletes, and coaches believe that allowing transgender women (biological males) to compete in women’s sports undermines the integrity of competition and could potentially endanger female athletes.
Anthony’s office released a statement pushing back against the complaint, arguing that federal law takes precedence over state law.
The statement emphasized that discussions on women’s sports must align with established federal protections and legal precedents.
The Lieutenant Governor’s office said, “Ensuring compliance with these standards is essential to maintaining fairness and consistency in athletic competition.”
It also pointed out a significant flaw in Nevada’s 2022 Equal Rights Amendment, which attempts to put both sex and gender identity on equal footing.
The statement noted, “The amendment creates a legal paradox—making it impossible to protect both simultaneously.”
The critics, like Harmon, say this is a misuse of state resources.
But what resources are we talking about here? A few staff hours and some office supplies? Compared to the wasteful spending and failed programs we’re seeing these days thanks to DOGE, this seems like a drop in the bucket.
When politicians jet-set around the country on taxpayers’ dimes or funnel money into pet projects that do nothing to improve our communities, where are the complaints then?
What’s more, the Lieutenant Governor’s role is not just ceremonial. His office has responsibilities that include promoting Nevada’s tourism and managing its ties to the sports industry – a critical part of the state’s economy.
The task force’s work aligns with that mission by ensuring a fair and safe competitive environment, especially when Nevada hosts sports competitions that draw women athletes and their families from across the globe.
The complaint also dragged Governor Lombardo into the mix, criticizing his budget and response to potential federal program cuts.
However, this appears to be a weak attempt to score political points by lumping unrelated issues together. The focus here should be on the merits of Anthony’s task force, not on a scattershot attack against the entire administration.
At the end of the day, most Nevadans want fairness in sports and responsible use of government resources.
Instead of vilifying Anthony for standing up for women’s athletics, critics should focus on real issues affecting the state—like crime, education, and the economy.
This ethics complaint might make headlines, but for many, it only reinforces the notion that some political groups will go to any length to push their agenda, even if it means attacking a task force dedicated to fairness and safety in sports.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
