What does LB 89 do?
This bill would adopt the “Stand With Women Act”, which would mandate discrimination against transgender individuals in both school and state agencies and target individuals who do not fall into “male/female” social norms.
Why does NASW-NE Oppose LB 89?
On its surface, LB 89 may appear to be a bill aimed at ensuring fairness and safety in educational and state agency settings. However, upon closer examination, LB 89 institutionalizes discrimination against transgender individuals, particularly targeting students who do not conform to traditional gender norms. While social workers are committed to fostering environments of inclusion and support for all Nebraskans, bills like LB 89 are not only harmful but also pose significant risks to the mental and emotional well-being of transgender individuals.
LB 89 undermines fundamental constitutional principles of equal protection, as it directly targets a vulnerable group and mandates their unequal treatment in schools and state agencies. This bill mirrors similar legislation from other states that has been widely criticized for its discriminatory impact and is often found to be in violation of the U.S. Constitution's protections against discrimination.
By enacting policies that force transgender individuals to conform to rigid gender expectations, LB 89 marginalizes and stigmatizes this community, which can lead to severe consequences for their mental health, including increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Instead of promoting fairness, LB 89 exacerbates existing disparities and contributes to an environment where transgender Nebraskans feel unsafe, unsupported, and alienated.
Bills like LB 89, disguised as measures of "protection," ultimately work to silence and exclude transgender individuals. They harm not only the individuals directly affected but also undermine the values of equality, dignity, and respect for all that social workers stand for. LB 89 does not protect Nebraskans; it creates unnecessary barriers to freedom, self-expression, and opportunity, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable members of our community.