LB 89 Is Law. My Firm Stands With Trans Nebraskans, Always.

What Happened in Nebraska: LB 89 Signed Into Law

On June 4, 2025, during Pride Month, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed LB 89—officially titled the “Stand With Women Act”—into law. This legislation is not about fairness. It is a targeted, state-sanctioned restriction on the rights and dignity of transgender students and athletes in Nebraska.

LB 89 requires students at all public K–12 schools, community colleges, state colleges, and the University of Nebraska system to participate in sports based solely on their “biological sex,” as now legally defined by Nebraska statute. In practice, this bans transgender girls and women from participating on girls’ and women’s sports teams.

And it doesn’t stop there. By codifying a definition of sex based on reproductive biology, LB 89 lays the legal groundwork for broader anti-trans legislation—potentially affecting bathroom access, healthcare rights, legal documentation, and more for trans and nonbinary Nebraskans.

What LB 89 Means for Trans Youth and Families in Nebraska

Supporters of LB 89 claim it is a “common-sense” law to preserve fairness in women’s sports. But the reality is that this bill:

• Explicitly bans trans girls from participating on teams that match their gender identity

• Legalizes exclusion and discrimination in public educational institutions

• Opens the door to invasive “sex verification” procedures

• Fuels a climate of hostility, scrutiny, and mental health risk for trans youth

While the bill does not mandate specific enforcement measures, its ambiguity invites challenges and complaints that could subject students to humiliating and traumatizing questioning or investigation.

This law is not unique to Nebraska. It mirrors similar legislation passed in at least 27 other states. Advocacy organizations like the Independent Women’s Forum and Alliance Defending Freedom have pushed these bills across the country using near-identical language. In Nebraska, Senator Kathleen Kauth, LB 89’s sponsor, has already stated that future legislation targeting bathroom access and gender-inclusive spaces is in the works.

Community Response to LB 89

LGBTQ+ organizations, women’s groups, and public health advocates in Nebraska have spoken out strongly against the bill.

• OutNebraska called LB 89 “harmful legislation,” and said: “Our hearts break for the young children and families who will be harmed.”

• The Women’s Fund of Omaha described the bill as “unnecessary and discriminatory,” emphasizing that: “Trans-inclusive sports policies do not harm cisgender youth.”

Importantly, neither LB 89 nor any similar bill addresses the actual barriers and inequities that exist in women’s sports—such as unequal funding, media coverage, coaching access, or structural sexism. Instead, these bills focus on excluding one of the most vulnerable populations from participating altogether.

When Does LB 89 Take Effect?

LB 89 is expected to take effect in September 2025.

Trans students and their families—already navigating high rates of bullying, exclusion, and mental health stress—now face additional legal barriers and uncertainty, especially in educational settings where support and inclusion are already inconsistent.

A Message from Zachary W. Anderson Law

As an LGBTQ+-owned law firm, I want to say this clearly:

I oppose LB 89.

At Zachary W. Anderson Law, we stand with trans youth, LGBTQ+ families, and every Nebraskan affected by this bill. We affirm that:

• Trans women are women

• Trans men are men

• Nonbinary people deserve full legal recognition

Pride Month is about more than celebration. It’s about resistance, visibility, and action. This law was signed during Pride not by accident, but by intent. We must continue to build a Nebraska where all people—regardless of gender identity—can live with safety, dignity, and equality.

If you need legal support—whether for gender marker changes, name changes, parental rights, estate planning, or simply an affirming attorney who will treat you and your family with care—please reach out.

You are seen. You are valued. You are not alone.

FAQ: LB 89 and Transgender Rights in Nebraska

What does LB 89 actually do?

LB 89 requires that students participate in sports based on their biological sex as defined by Nebraska law. This effectively bans transgender girls and women from participating on girls’ and women’s teams in public schools and colleges.

Is LB 89 a transgender sports ban?

Yes. It bans trans girls and women from playing on teams that align with their gender identity. It’s part of a broader national effort to restrict the rights of transgender youth.

Will LB 89 affect bathroom or locker room access?

While LB 89 does not directly address bathrooms or locker rooms, it lays the legal groundwork for future legislation. Lawmakers have signaled their intent to target these areas next.

When does LB 89 go into effect?

The law is expected to be enforced starting September 2025.

What can families do to protect their rights?

• Stay informed and connected to local advocacy organizations

• Speak with an attorney if you or your child face discrimination

• Take proactive legal steps such as updating identity documents or establishing legal protections through powers of attorney, guardianship planning, or family law agreements

Need Legal Support? We’re Here.

I help clients across Nebraska navigate legal challenges with clarity, compassion, and respect—especially in moments where the law is moving in the wrong direction. Whether you’re looking to protect your child, update your identity documents, or build a family structure that reflects who you are, you don’t have to do it alone.

Call 402-259-0059 or email zach@zandersonlaw.com to schedule a consult.