Over 100 Nebraska faith leaders have publicly opposed the “Stand with Women Act,” arguing that it discriminates against transgender individuals and undermines inclusivity.
At a Glance
- More than 100 faith leaders denounce Nebraska’s LB89
- Bill bars transgender access to women’s sports and space
- Religious coalition demands dignity and access for all
- Law builds on Governor Pillen’s 2023 sex-based Executive Order
Faith Leaders Unite Against LB89
More than 100 clergy members across Nebraska have joined forces to oppose Legislative Bill 89, which seeks to define gender strictly by biological sex. The legislation, introduced by State Senator Kathleen Kauth, would prevent transgender individuals from participating in women’s sports or using female-designated restrooms and locker rooms. It follows Governor Jim Pillen’s 2023 Executive Order that outlined a similar framework for defining sex.
Faith leaders argue that LB89 undermines human dignity and disproportionately targets transgender Nebraskans. In a joint statement, they declared, “All children deserve the same experiences of joy, friendship, and confidence that sports teams can provide,” emphasizing that restroom access and athletic participation should be rights—not privileges. Their appeal, detailed in a report by The American Spectator, underscores a theological commitment to compassion, justice, and inclusion.
Watch PBS NewsHour’s coverage of faith-related executive orders at Trump signs Executive Orders related to faith.
Bill Sparks Moral and Political Debate
Senator Kauth has described LB89 as a common-sense measure “protecting women in their athletics” and safeguarding female-only spaces. According to her, scholarships, grants, and competitive opportunities for women must be preserved from what she views as unfair participation by biological males.
But religious leaders see the bill as a solution in search of a problem. Rev. Juniper Meadows, who has emerged as a key voice in the opposition, said the bill enshrines inequality in the name of fairness. “As people of faith, we are taught that the diversity of creation is not a flaw—it is a blessing,” Meadows explained, adding that “justice means more than equal treatment—it means equity, inclusion, and safety for all,” as cited by The American Spectator.
National Echoes of Local Tensions
LB89 is part of a growing wave of state-level efforts across the U.S. to codify gender definitions in ways that exclude transgender identities. Supporters claim these laws are necessary to preserve integrity in women’s athletics and protect privacy in shared spaces. Opponents, including many religious groups, argue such measures are rooted in fear, not fact.
The clash in Nebraska is emblematic of a larger ideological divide: one between a strict biological framework and a more inclusive, identity-based understanding of gender. While LB89’s backers portray it as a defense of fairness, faith leaders counter that true fairness requires acknowledging and respecting all people, including transgender individuals.
You can read The American Spectator’s full report on the clergy coalition and the bill’s political context here.
