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A group of conservative Nebraska leaders launched a new ballot initiative petition Monday aimed at keeping trans athletes out of women’s public K-12 and collegiate sports.
Advocacy group “Fairness for Girls” says it wants to protect female athlete safety and opportunities for young girls.
Senator Kathleen Kauth pitched and passed a law that restricted participation in women’s sports last year. But she said she is worried that future lawmakers may want to undo her work.
“What’s really sad is that there’s controversy, that we can’t acknowledge biological reality,” Kauth said. “One of the things we always worry about when we pass a law is that it can be unpassed.”
Advocates, like “Fairness for Girls” leader, attorney and former state Sen. Julie Slama, said the group believes Nebraskans will not only benefit from the law, but support it. However, they did not offer specific figures on how many Nebraskans have been impacted by trans athletes in sports.
“You’re not only risking injuries to girls competing against them, but moreover girls are missing out on scholarship opportunities and medal spots,” Slama said, by way of explaining the group’s concerns.
To get a constitutional amendment on the ballot, “Fairness for Girls” will need valid signatures from 10% of all registered Nebraskans and 5% of signatures from voters in 38 counties. It has until July to get the question on November’s ballot.