(The Lion) — A coalition of conservative Nebraska leaders has launched a ballot initiative petition aimed at prohibiting biological males from competing in girls’ and women’s sports at public schools and colleges.
The group “Fairness for Girls” says it wants the policy written into the state constitution so future lawmakers cannot easily undo it.
State Sen. Kathleen Kauth, R-Omaha, sponsored legislation last year that already prohibits transgender males in female sports, but she said the constitutional amendment would protect the policy from repeal.
“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.”
The petition drive would place a constitutional amendment before voters. Nebraska law requires supporters to collect valid signatures from 10% of registered voters statewide, and signatures from at least 5% of voters in 38 counties, to qualify for the November ballot.
Julie Slama, an attorney and former state senator who leads Fairness for Girls, said the group believes Nebraskans support keeping biological males out of girls’ 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.
More than 30 states now enforce laws or policies protecting girls’ and women’s sports. Supporters say the laws protect fairness and opportunities for female athletes.
Although opponents claim the policies discriminate against transgender students, an NBC News poll released in April 2025 found 75% of Americans oppose allowing male athletes to compete in girls’ sports, while just 25% support it.
Nebraska voters have weighed in directly on other cultural issues in recent elections.
In 2024, voters approved Initiative 434, which added language to the state constitution reaffirming the state’s existing 12-week abortion limit. The measure received 509,288 votes, or 55%.
Meanwhile, a competing Initiative 439 would have created a constitutional right to abortion until fetal viability, though it failed with only 49% voting in favor of it.
That same year, voters also repealed a state-funded private school scholarship program. In Referendum 435, 57% voted to repeal the program.
Supporters of the amendment protecting girls’ sports must gather the required signatures by July to place the proposal on the November ballot.
