Nevada Governor’s Initiative
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo is spearheading a petition campaign aimed at prohibiting biological males from participating in girls’ scholastic sports. This initiative comes after the Democrat-controlled state legislature blocked similar efforts.
The Republican governor emphasized that the proposed constitutional amendment, dubbed the Protect Girls’ Sports initiative, will empower Nevadans to ensure that female athletes compete fairly. He stated, “This November gives us a chance to protect our female athletes and maintain a level playing field.”
Lombardo expressed pride in leading this movement to safeguard the integrity of girls’ sports for current and future generations. The proposal seeks to amend Nevada’s 2022 Equal Rights Amendment, which currently prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. If passed, it would prevent public schools and entities from allowing male-born athletes in female sports.
Nevada is among 21 states and Washington D.C. that allow athletes to compete based on gender identity, while 28 states have enacted laws barring male-born athletes from competing in female categories. Despite attempts by Republicans to introduce bills on this matter, they have consistently failed in the state legislature.
This year could be pivotal as no state has yet succeeded in placing transgender athlete issues on ballots. Citizen groups in Colorado and Washington are also working towards similar initiatives for November.
To qualify for the November 2026 ballot, organizers of the Protect Girls’ Sports PAC must gather at least 148,788 valid signatures statewide by June 24. Following approval, the amendment would need to pass again in November 2028.
The PAC is led by Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama and other Republican figures who stress that protecting girls’ sports is crucial for maintaining opportunities for young women across Nevada. Kasama remarked, “We’re inviting every voter to join us in defending the rights of young women.” Polls indicate strong public support against biological males competing in female sports.
Democrats continue to advocate for transgender athletes’ rights. Washoe County Commission Chair Alexis Hill criticized the initiative as politically motivated and irrelevant to Nevada’s concerns. Attorney General Aaron Ford labeled it a “political ploy” aimed at bolstering Lombardo’s reelection campaign.
