Media Contact

Tyler Richard, (402) 476-8091 x104, trichard@aclunebraska.org

February 5, 2016

Lincoln, NE – Yesterday a federal district court issued a final judgment in the lawsuit challenging Nebraska’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples. The court, which had previously struck down the ban, declared it unconstitutional and issued an injunction requiring the state to treat same-sex couples the same as different-sex couples with respect to all of the protections of marriage. The ruling follows a June, 2016 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court striking down marriage bans in other states.

The district court’s order addressed the fact that the State has refused to issue birth certificates for children born to same-sex couples listing both spouses as parents. The court noted that it expects that the State will now address the issue, but invited plaintiffs to return to court to enforce the injunction if necessary.

The following statement is from Danielle Conrad, Executive Director:

The ACLU of Nebraska is pleased that our long battle to challenge the discrimination enshrined in our Constitution is finally over. Today is a good day for freedom, fairness, clarity and closure.  The seven couples who are our clients and countless more Nebraska families impacted by this decision have waited long enough to have their love and commitment fully recognized. The State of Nebraska’s delay in full compliance with the Obergefell decision has created unneeded and unfortunate confusion for many families in Nebraska. That ends today.  As we celebrate this historic victory we turn our attention to the next victories on our horizon including workplace protections so that no Nebraskan is fired or denied a job because of who they are or who they love. We are so proud to stand with our brave clients and deeply grateful to the law firm of Koenig | Dunne for their partnership in making history for freedom in Nebraska.

For bios of the plaintiffs: https://www.aclunebraska.org/en/nebraska-marriage-client-bios

For previous media releases:

https://www.aclunebraska.org/en/aclu-sues-for-the-freedom-to-marry-in-nebraska

https://www.aclunebraska.org/en/nebraska-freedom-to-marry-victory

https://www.aclunebraska.org/en/aclu-all-nebraskans-should-celebrate-todays-historic-victory