LB 575, the Sports and Spaces Act, failed to gain first round approval in the Nebraska Legislature Friday.
In general, the measure would have prohibited biological males from playing on girl’s sports teams, and keep them out of girls’ locker rooms and restrooms.
Sponsor Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha said protection of girls’ athletics was important. “Having separate athletic teams based on the biological sex of the athlete, reduces the chance of injury to biological female athletes and promotes sex equality,” said Kauth. “It provides opportunities for biological female athletes to compete against their peers rather than against biological male athletes, and allows biological female athletes to compete on a fair playing field for scholarships and other athletic accomplishments.”
Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt said the bill was about discrimination, hate and bigotry.
“It is not about protecting women. It’s not about, keeping women out of harm’s way. It’s about the danger and the power of the imagination of a bigot, Senator Kathleen Kauth, and those who would support a bill like this,” Hunt said.
Hunt’s use of the term ‘bigot’ was called out by Sen. Loren Lippincott, who said it was not appropriate for her to call another lawmaker names, and she was admonished by Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly.
After about four hours of debate, a motion to invoke cloture needing 33 votes to end debate and proceed to a vote on the bill itself failed 31 to 15, with Senators Merv Riepe of Ralston and Tom Brandt of Plymouth present but not voting.
Following the vote, lawmakers adjourned until next Tuesday, with only four days remaining in the session.
