The Nebraska legislature recently introduced the Stand with Women Act, a bill that would prohibit biological males from joining women’s sports teams, sparking strong debate within the state.
In an interview with NTV, Central Nebraska resident Mercadies Lieb expressed her opposition to the bill, arguing that it could limit opportunities for female athletes and undermine the progress made in achieving gender equality in sports. Lieb, reflecting on her own experience of being discouraged from pursuing wrestling and football in school due to her gender, emphasized that the law could hinder female athletes who wish to challenge themselves by competing in different fields.
Lieb criticized the bill as an unnecessary move that could lead to discrimination against transgender minors, especially given the existing policies from the Nebraska School Activities Association NSAA that already allow transgender athletes to participate in sports that align with their gender identity.
She pointed out that transgender students must go through a rigorous approval process for cross-gender participation, which she believes should suffice.
In contrast, Nebraska volleyball player Rebekah Allick voiced support for the Stand with Women Act, emphasizing the importance of protecting spaces for women and girls in sports, particularly when it comes to issues of safety and privacy.
Allick stated that the bill is not only about security but also about preserving the truth of gender distinctions and the integrity of women’s sports.
The NSAA has been relatively lenient, approving a small number of transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports over the years. As of January 2024, only one transgender student was approved to compete in the 2023-24 school year, with fewer than ten students using the policy since 2015.