Nebraska governor Jim Pillen, a Republican not noted as a women’s rights supporter, yesterday issued an executive order “defining” males and females and the attributes thereof. The anti-transgender political grandstanding offers fusty explanations of the sexes–men are “bigger, stronger and faster” on average–in pursuit of Rowling-esque calls for sexual segregation (and even echoing her ostensibly feminist rationales) and not a lot else.

The order declares that, in matters of the state, the “biological differences between the sexes are enduring” and that the “sex” of a person will be defined by the gender designated at birth. In addition to specifically noting how boy, girl, man, and woman will be defined, the order also includes biological descriptions. …

“It is common sense that men do not belong in women’s only spaces,” Pillen said in the news release. “As Governor, it is my duty to protect our kids and women’s athletics, which means providing single-sex spaces for women’s sports, bathrooms, and changing rooms.”

The reaction, at least from Democrats, is to point out that if it were enforced, the likely outcome would be Nebraska losing federal funding for womens’ shelters.

“Today Governor Pillen, famous women’s rights supporter, signed this offensive and ridiculous proclamation establishing a “Women’s Bill of Rights.” He should try saying this stuff to my face then we would see who’s got what biological advantage,” wrote State Senator Megan Hunt on Twitter.


  • ∟⊔⊤∦∣≶@lemmy.nz
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    1 year ago

    I feel like this is shortsighted. Instead, legislation should be in place to add another category so that there is a space for sex and gender. Not that I would expect such based actions from this dude.

    I know males are on average stronger than females, but I have yet to meet a trans girl who I couldn’t beat in a physical challenge. I’m under average height, don’t work out, and I don’t have genes that give me muscular advantage, but in every physical challenge thus far, they came first.

    • Raise_a_glass@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      I know this is probably a joke comment, but you’ve got me intrigued - how many trans girls do you know and how often do you compete if physical challenges? Are they of the Double Dare variety or are they more Olympic in nature? Do you allow them to train an come back for a rematch?