On a sunny June morning in Lincoln, Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen sat at a desk with the state and American flags behind him and signed a bill.
BREAKING: Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed the “Stand With Women Act” into law today.
The bill BANS male students from playing on female sports teams. pic.twitter.com/5NtLEG7cDy
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 4, 2025
The law, called the “Stand With Women Act” (LB89), puts Nebraska in line with over two dozen other states that are drawing a line in the sand when it comes to school sports.
Simply put, the new law says that students in K-12 schools and colleges in Nebraska must play on sports teams that match their biological sex at birth.
At the signing, he was joined by Riley Gaines, a former college swimmer who’s been outspoken on this issue, along with local Husker athletes Jordy Bahl and Rebekah Allick.
Nebraska officially bans men from women’s sports in K–12 schools and colleges! Thank you, @TeamPillen! pic.twitter.com/bgR66bXc55
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) June 5, 2025
They all shared the same message: Women deserve a level playing field.
Research backs them up.
One study by Hilton and Lundberg in 2021 found that biological males retain physical advantages even after transitioning, including things like stronger bones and higher levels of testosterone.
These aren’t just opinions—they’re facts rooted in science.
The ACLU of Nebraska and other critics say the law is discriminatory. They point out that fewer than 10 transgender students have even tried to play on teams matching their gender identity since 2018.
To them, this law is a solution in search of a problem. They worry it sends a hurtful message to kids who already feel different.
But here’s the thing: even if it’s just a few cases, the consequences can be big.
One unfair advantage in a championship race or tournament can cost a girl her moment to shine.
It can mean the difference between getting a medal or missing out—a scholarship or no scholarship.
It matters.
This law didn’t pass easily. It had to survive a tough fight in the Nebraska Legislature.
In fact, the original version also tried to address access to bathrooms and locker rooms, but that part was taken out to help it pass.
Some folks weren’t happy about that compromise, feeling like it didn’t go far enough. Still, supporters see the sports portion as a good start.
Now that it’s law, Nebraska schools will have to change how they handle sports teams.
Instead of case-by-case decisions, there will be a clear rule.
That might bring some consistency and peace of mind to parents who just want fairness for their daughters.
The conversation isn’t over, though.
Opponents are already talking about legal challenges, and groups like OutNebraska say they’ll keep fighting.
For now though, supporters are celebrating a win for common sense and fairness.
It’s not about excluding anyone. It’s about making sure that in the race for opportunity, girls don’t start a few steps behind.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
