Can Nebraska’s Laws Truly Protect LGBTQ+ Youth in 2025? Honoring Matthew Shepard’s Legacy Through Legal Advocacy
October 12 marks the anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death, a hate crime that shocked the nation and catalyzed a movement for LGBTQ+ rights. His story is a reminder that silence enables violence—and that legal systems must do more than punish hate. They must prevent it.
In Nebraska, recent laws like LB574 and LB89 have reshaped how LGBTQ+ youth access healthcare and participate in public life. These laws don’t just regulate—they isolate. Yet families still have powerful legal tools to protect children from harm.
Nebraska’s Legal Landscape: LB574 and LB89
LB574 – The Let Them Grow Act
This law restricts gender-affirming care for minors under 19. It:
Bans surgical procedures to alter sex characteristics.
Requires 40 hours of gender-focused therapy, parental consent, and a 7-day waiting period before prescribing puberty blockers or hormones.
Excludes Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care
LB89 – The Stand With Women Act
Signed into law in June 2025, LB89:
Defines sex biologically, excluding gender identity from legal recognition.
Mandates school sports participation based on sex assigned at birth.
Restricts access to bathrooms and locker rooms for transgender students
These laws create barriers to care, community, and dignity—especially for transgender youth.
Legal Protections That Still Exist
Despite these setbacks, Nebraska’s family law framework offers meaningful protections.
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2923, courts apply the best interests of the child standard in custody and guardianship cases. This includes:
Emotional and psychological safety
Stability and continuity
Protection from coercive or harmful parenting
If a parent forces conversion therapy, denies a child’s gender identity, or creates an unsafe environment, courts can restrict custody or parenting time.
Conversion therapy remains legal statewide, but LB367, introduced in 2025, seeks to ban it for minors and classify it as a deceptive trade practice
What Families Can Do
Legal change takes time—but advocacy starts now. Families can:
Document everything: Keep records of school incidents, healthcare denials, and communications with providers or co-parents.
Choose affirming providers: Therapy and mental health support remain lawful under LB574.
Consult an attorney: A lawyer familiar with LGBTQ+ family law can help modify custody, challenge discrimination, and protect your child’s rights.
Connect with advocacy groups: Organizations like OutNebraska, ACLU of Nebraska, and GLSEN Omaha offer resources and support.
Why This Matters: Honoring Matthew Shepard
As a survivor of conversion therapy and a Nebraska attorney, I’ve seen how law can either protect or harm. Matthew Shepard’s legacy reminds us that advocacy saves lives. We must use every legal tool available to protect LGBTQ+ youth from isolation, discrimination, and violence.
At Zachary W. Anderson Law, we help families navigate these complex issues with compassion and clarity. Whether you’re facing a custody dispute, healthcare barrier, or school discrimination, we’re here to help you protect what matters most—your child’s safety and future.
📧 zach@zandersonlaw.com
📞 402-259-0059
FAQ: LGBTQ+ Youth Protections in Nebraska
Is conversion therapy illegal in Nebraska?
Not yet. LB367 would ban it for minors, but courts can still restrict it under the best interests standard.
Can a parent lose custody for not supporting a transgender child?
Yes. Courts may view non-affirming parenting as emotional harm and adjust custody accordingly.
Are there legal ways for minors to access gender-affirming care?
Yes—therapy and counseling are allowed. Medical interventions require compliance with LB574’s requirements.
What should I do if my child faces discrimination at school?
Document incidents and consult an attorney. Federal protections under Title IX may still apply.