Nebraska Gay Marriage History Is Here At Manplay.com

Manplay.com has everything you need to know about how to hook up in Nebraska, but we can also tell you everything you need to know about when Nebraska gay marriage became legal and when it all happened. You see we might have the looks, but we also have the goods. If you’re looking to not only tickle your fancy, but tickle your knowledge, then have a read. Learn what it took for the ACLU to get things rolling and how many lawsuits it took before, the Supreme Court finally ruled in favor of legalizing gay marriage. Nebraska is a vibrant place with a vibrant LGBT history. While you’re at it, why not learn a little more about gay marriage in Nevada had. Gay marriage offers same-sex couples the chance to live a life just like everyone else, where they can enjoy the same rights as a straight couple.

An Overview Of Nebraska Gay Marriage

The debate about Nebraska gay marriage has gone on for some time. It finally became legal in June of 2015, when the Supreme Court determined that banning gay marriage was unconstitutional. During the late 90s, many states put forth laws and constitution amendments that determined that marriage was only between a man and a woman. Nebraska was no different and put forth a law banning gay marriage. Many of those who oppose gay marriage do not consider some of the more important points that marriage brings to a relationship. We all know that marriage offers financial benefits, insurance coverage and so on. These rights were not afforded to gay couples which proved to be an absolute nightmare. This in essence, is a denial of equal protection and did not offer many gay couples the dignity and respect that they deserved. Marriage for same-sex couples would offer the same rights that straight couples have. It would offer a chance to not face discrimination or assessment and even constantly question eligibility. Filing tax returns at times could be illegal based on the fact that you wouldn’t be able to provide the government with the truth of your domestic relationship or domestic living situation. Essentially gay marriage would be a way to live life to the fullest.

In Nebraska, up until 2015, there was no way for gay couples to really live the life that is perfectly possible now. Manplay.com is here to connect you and expand your mind by showing you the attempts to legalize Nebraska gay marriage before the 2015 Supreme Court ruling.

Initiate Initiative Measure 416!

Initiative Measure 416 is an infamous amendment that set back gay rights in Nebraska. The measure defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman in these exact words:Only marriage between a man and a woman shall be valid or recognized in Nebraska. The uniting of two persons of the same sex in a civil union, domestic partnership, or other similar same-sex relationship shall not be valid or recognized in Nebraska It stipulates that no other form of marriage will be accepted or recognized. This amendment also meant that civil unions could happen and would not be recognized in the state. This whole fiasco proved to be a severe blow on the road to legalizing Nebraska gay marriage. However, even with this law, the state did apply some reason to things and extended visitation rights in hospitals.

Countering Initiative Measure 416

To counter Initiative Measure 416, Citizens For Equal Protection, Nebraska Advocates For Justice And Equality, and the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the state that challenged the Initiative in 2003. The justice ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. He argued that Initiative Measure 416 did offer Equal Protection and the broke the First Amendment. This proved to be a step in the right direction, however this ruling was later overturned and same-sex marriage was illegal again. This is just one example of how lawmakers continually attempted to block gay marriage bills. Much of this can be echoed by how we look at general support for gay marriage in the state. We might ask ourselves was democracy functioning properly by enforcing a majority vote on the subject of gay marriage? We all know justice is blind and by maintaining a ban on gay marriage, one is not being blind with their own visions of justice. Therefore, any reason to strike down gay marriage or ban would be shaky, but many lawmakers have their plans. 70% of voters voted in favor of Initiative Measure 416.

The ACLU Strikes Back

In 2014, the ACLU (the American Civil Liberties Union) filed a lawsuit titled Waters v. Heineman that took place in federal court. The ACLU was representing seven gay couples. The point of the lawsuit was to overturn Nebraska’s ban on gay marriage, but also force rule in favor of the state recognizing same-sex marriages from out of state. The Judge on the case, was a senior judge by the name of Joseph Battaillon who ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. This entire case was met with stiff opposition as lawmakers attempted to overturn his ruling and block any attempt to bring some legality to gay marriage. By blocking the law, politicians were ruling that these gay couples would be able to have the same rights as straight couples. Once again, this was a severe blow on the campaign to legalize Nebraska gay marriage.

The Supreme Court Ruling

Finally in 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that banning gay marriage was unconstitutional. This changed everything in Nebraska and couples began to marry immediately. Judge Battaillon’s ruling was enforced and in a formal gesture, he overturned all laws that banned gay marriage. Several figures in office agreed to comply with the law in order to maintain a sense of continuity in the entire country when it comes to legalizing gay marriage.

Nebraska Gay Marriage Statistics

The state has faced a long battle for gay marriage and it is clear that it is a divisive issue. A New York Times Poll determined that gay marriage had a support rate of 40% in the state with 46% opposing a same-sex marriage legalization bill. This poll was conducted in 2014 and we can imagine that these numbers perhaps have not shifted much. There are also considerations of the economic impact that gay marriage has on the economy. In March 2015, UCLA conducted a survey on Nebraska and determined that there were approximately 2,515 gay couples in the state. Around 53% of gay married couples are women and 47% are men. 37% of married couples have children.

The Current And Future Status Of Nebraska Gay Marriage

Nebraska gay marriage is here to stay thanks to the Supreme Court. Nebraska officials determined and stipulated that gay couples will be treated the exact same way straight couples were, regarding marriage licenses as well as other government organizations. In Nebraska, gay couples can now marry and receive the same rights that are afforded to straight couples. Like we had discussed before, gay marriage is much more than a battle of ideas. It is a battle of human rights that represents a divide in society. It is of note when we consider some of the controversy surrounding a total legitimate and reasonable request.

Throughout the United States, it should be noted that various laws that banned same-sex marriage came about through amendments to the state constitution, which all clarified exactly what marriage was. Then, in the early 2000s many states faced similar lawsuits from LGBT advocates like GLADD, the ACLU and so on. We can see a distinct shift in thinking in society that represents a movement. This newfound sense of reason is an incredible achievement in the United States, but after all, it is the 21st century and it could have happened a lot sooner. Denying same-sex couples simple rights such as insurance, benefits, mortgages and so on, is strikingly depressing and oddly inhuman. Denying two people the ability to share and legally celebrate their love is heart breaking. It should be noted that the film Boys Don’t Cry was based on Nebraska Brandon Teena who was a trans man who was murdered based on their sexuality. This proved to be a film that spoke to many in the gay community throughout the country and the world.