Lawmakers in US state of Nebraska pass transgender sports bill

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Lawmakers in the US state of Nebraska passed a bill banning trans athletes from participating in sports that align with their gender identity.

State senators voted 33-16 to pass Legislative Bill 89 on Wednesday night, which was introduced by Omaha Sen. Kathleen Kauth.

The Stand With Women Act defines physical differences between males and females, and requires students to participate in sports based on their biological sex assigned at birth.

Gov. Jim Pillen said he looks forward to signing the bill into law.

"The Stand With Women Act, LB89, just advanced to my desk. It achieves a key goal: protecting girls and women’s sports. It’s just common sense that girls shouldn’t have to compete against biological boys.

"This legislative win will lead to many more victories for Nebraska’s female athletes, as we ensure a level and fair playing field for all girls who compete," he wrote on X.

In February, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girls' sports.