The so-called ‘bathroom bill’ is set for a fight in Lincoln today.

It’s round two of the Legislature’s battle over transgender youth, and a filibuster is expected by opponents of the bill.

[View our full video report above]

Nebraska’s transgender battle is back.

Lawmakers expected to take on legislation that keeps biological boys out of girls’ locker rooms and bathrooms and biological boys from playing on girls’ teams, the debate starting over a year ago.

FEBRUARY 13, 2023

State Sen. Kathleen Kauth, Millard (R): “Biological male athletes have an unfair advantage over female athletes. They are stronger, bigger, and faster, even after taking feminizing hormones. Adolescence is a tumultuous time for young people. Natural changes that come with puberty can be awkward and embarrassing. Allowing biological males or females into each other's private spaces will cause extreme discomfort and distress for many students.” 

State Sen. Merv Riepe, Ralston (R): “I say don’t be a hammer looking for a nail, don’t go looking for a fight.” 

Ralston State Sen. Merv Riepe convinced Kauth’s bill is not needed, that schools are ahead of the game. 

Sen. Riepe: “The superintendents that I’ve talked to and that’s about a handful—I asked them how do you handle this—and they said what we do with great respect is and we meet with the family and the student and we try to do what’s best for the student without any embarrassment to them.”

Back in that committee room the public joined the fight.

Hannah Anderson, Gothenberg: “I was the runner up in the 800 meters with a time of 2 minutes and 22 seconds and the first-place girl won Class B with a time of 2 minutes and 21 seconds. Of the 24 boys who qualified in the 800, every single one ran faster than the girls champion and it wasn't by a small margin.”

Mason Luttig-Leapley: “I'm here today to be a reminder that queer Nebraskans exist, despite the state's active efforts to erase us.”

A year ago, Kauth fought and won a close fight pushing legislation prohibiting minors from getting sex changes, another close fight is expected this time as well.