Gay couples seek marriage licenses in Nebraska

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10563362

Published Friday February 13, 2009
Gay couples seek marriage licenses
BY ELIZABETH AHLIN
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

A group of same-sex couples was standing in line when the Douglas County Clerk's office opened for business this morning.

In an act of protest against Nebraska law, the couples were there to apply for marriage licenses on the eve of Valentine's Day.

The requests would surely be denied. Nebraska law has specifically prohibited gay marriage since state voters approved a constitutional amendment banning same-sex unions in 2000.

But the group, affiliated with three local churches, wants to call attention to the law, which they say is blatant discrimination.

"Our faith, values and our understanding of God's call for justice in the world compels us to work toward marriage equality for gay and lesbian people," the group said in a statement.

Same-sex marriage is currently legal in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Metropolitan Community Church of Omaha, First Unitarian Church, Second Unitarian Church and community activists all took part in the morning protest.

[mitchtv]

1. we did that here in Riverside co a year or two ago

Finally it happened for real. Keep up the goodwork, cornhuskers

[The Brethren]

2. I applaud them for trying and not giving up!

I hope that someone day soon Nebraska will give it's "blatant discrimination" and replace their current marriage amendment with one that will legally recognize gay couples as well.



Stimulus Plan ("American Recovery and Reinvestment Act") full text: Orig. House version -- http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/RecoveryBill01-15-09.pdf Senate version -- http://appropriations.senate.gov/News/2009_02_02_The_American_Recovery_and_Reinvestment_Act_of_2009.pdf Spreadsheet of Senate compromise -- http://appropriations.senate.gov/News/2009_02_08_UPDATED_Appropriations_Provisions_of_American_Recovery_and_Reinvestment_Act.pdf?CFID=4043629&CFTOKEN=40573040 Text of Senate compromise version of fiscal stimulus legislation -- http://readthestimulus.org/amdth1.pdf