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.


  • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Serena Williams or Brittney Greiner or Simone Biles could kick my fat ass three ways from Sunday. I’m definitely not bigger than Brittney, and there’s no way I’m stronger or faster than any of them.

    • chiliedogg@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      He’s an asshole, but it is absolutely true that men are, on average, bigger, stronger, and faster than women, so picking 3 women who are notable for being in the top billionth of prowess in their particular sports isn’t exactly a repudiation of that point.

    • TheDoctorDonna@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I was just thinking the same about my husband. At 5’7" and 137 lbs, and working an office job with no workouts so no real muscle tone, he might have to be defined as a woman. Good thing we’ll never go to Nebraska.

      I would like to see him go up against any of these ladies in literally any sport at all- they’d kick his ass so hard. And that’s fine- he’s not less “manly” because of it. He is my husband and the father of my children and I love him always and thankfully small minded people like this are only a minor hindrance in the progress we are making.

    • NewSmileadon@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Did you even read the article? He defined men as being on average bigger stronger and faster. I don’t know if this is exactly the case. You also named women who aren’t exactly in the middle of the bell curve.

    • S_204@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Simone biles is the size of a small child. If you fell on her, you’d kill her.

      The other two, could probably take you.

      • Maeve@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        Don’t mess with people smaller than average; they likely learned how to defend themselves by being the target of “tough” people from an early age.

        • S_204@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          LMAO. Sure thing lil buddy. Physics is a real thing.

          If Simone biles tried to fight a regular sized person she’d be lucky to not be killed.

          • Maeve@kbin.social
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            1 year ago

            That’s not true. You can tell how someone moves and adjust accordingly. But you do you, little buddy.

            • S_204@lemmy.world
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              1 year ago

              You can tell how physics would impact their body of course… and being the size of a toddler isn’t an advantage.

              • Maeve@kbin.social
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                1 year ago

                You can also tell how predictably people can be in a situation. Individuals tend to have a repertoire; that’s how boxing, football and any competitive sports coaches train their charges. Groups seem to have them too. Most would-be bullies wing it when sheer size is the differential, beyond a few well-rehearsed moves because that’s all it usually takes. Observe most bullies online or irl, better yet, be bullied. You learn how to move. Eg, a lot of people spoiling for a fight leave their person wide open and unprotected, simply because they think the person seeing them come for a fight is going to let them hit first. Some people still think the other person isn’t going to a sucker punch because it’sa bitch move (and it is); but better to use that bitch move before your bully does. Fighting with honor may or not matter till animal survival instinct kicks in. One can and probably should let it kick in sooner because bullies aren’t really looking for a good excuse or honor and there’s no shame in recognizing that. Just don’t carry it over to every other life aspect.

                • S_204@lemmy.world
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                  1 year ago

                  Damn, this turned into a therapy session for you. Didn’t bother reading it, because if someone that much smaller comes at you, just kick em in the face and keep walking.