Nebraska Gov. Pillen signs transgender sports bill, says it creates ‘fair playing ground’

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — With Gov. Jim Pillen’s signature on Wednesday, the Stand with Women Act is now the law in Nebraska.

Legislative Bill 89 bars transgender athletes from competing on sports teams that don’t correspond to their sex assigned at birth.

“It’s an absolute big day to be able to sign LB 89 and make sure we simply have a fair playing ground,” Pillen said.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska Legislature passes transgender sports bill

The governor said this bill reflects the core beliefs of Nebraskans.

“This bill is really a big deal for our young people, for our kids,” he said. “Standing up for women, standing up for the values of Nebraska that all of us believe in. And we have the courage to say it is time that we get comfortable being uncomfortable talking about what’s really, really important.”

Husker athletes Jordy Ball and Rebekah Allick, along with activists Riley Gaines and Payton McNabb, were there to celebrate Nebraska becoming the 28th state to pass such a bill.

Allick said she is proud to be part of this mission.

“This is not a political matter; this is common sense,” she said. “We’re trying to defend reality, which is such a crazy fight that we have to fight. Though the opposition may not see it now, I think somewhere deep in their soul, they know.”

SEE ALSO: Nebraska lawmakers advance transgender sports and bathroom bill

Still, some believe the bill is not fair to the trans community.

The executive director of Rainbow Moms, Michelle Jud, said that she is disappointed.

“The kids just want to play,” she said. “Sports are a great tool for building teamwork, comradery, just learning all those things sports can provide. It’s daunting. These kids have to sit there and watch our state lawmakers debate their existence. It’s really hard, it’s really hard as parents to watch that happen, too.”

SEE ALSO: Crowds overflow Nebraska State Capitol to testify on bill requiring gender-specific spaces

And OutNebraska released a statement saying in part, “Our hearts break for the young children and families who are celebrating Pride this month while also grappling with the reality of this harmful legislation.”

Both sides said the fight on this issue is far from over.

Supporters of the bill hope to expand on it in future legislative sessions, and opponents will spend the next several months talking with senators.

SEE ALSO: With Pillen close by, Trump signs order on transgender athletes, reigniting debate