Omaha, Neb., Jan 6, 2016 / 06:01 am
As the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) weighs new protocol for transgender students' participation in school activities, the Catholic bishops of Nebraska have urged respect for these persons while also upholding the safety and privacy of other students.
"Any person who experiences gender dysphoria is entitled to the respect and dignity that is the right of every human person, as well as genuine concern and the support needed for personal development and well-being," Nebraska Bishops George Lucas of Omaha, James Conley of Lincoln, and Joseph Hanefeldt of Grand Island said in a joint statement Jan. 4.
However, they said, support for these individuals "must be provided with due consideration to the fairness and the safety, privacy, and rights of all students."
On Jan. 6 and Jan. 13 high schools in Nebraska will be voting on whether or not to adopt formally the current NSAA practice of requiring students to participate in activities and sports according to their sex at birth.