LGBTQ+ Rights

Placeholder image

What you need to know

Over 67,000

An estimated 67,000 Nebraskans are LGBT.

24%

Less than 24% of Nebraska workers live in a community that protects them from workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

32%

32% of same-sex couples in Nebraska are raising children.

Our goal: a Nebraska where LGBTQ+ people can live openly, where identities, relationships, and families are respected, and a state where fair treatment on the job, in schools, housing, public places, and health care do not depend on who you are or who you love. The ACLU believes that discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identify is wrong and that it hurts us all.

The ACLU has a long history of supporting and defending the LGBTQ+ community - with historic wins around marriage rights at the U.S. Supreme Court and in states around the country. In Nebraska, the ACLU supported the state's first attempt to expand nondiscrimination protections through an ordinance in Lincoln in 1982 and filed our first marriage litigation case in 2003.

The ACLU's LGBTQ+ rights strategy is based on the belief that fighting for the society we want means not just persuading judges and government officials, but also working hard to change hearts and minds of our neighbors. ACLU of Nebraska developed the first of its kind video storytelling project called Transgender Voices to help more Nebraskans meet their transgender neighbors.

Around the country, the ACLU brings more LGBTQ+ cases and advocacy initiatives than any other national organization does. There is no other organization that can match our record of making progress both in the courts of law and in the court of public opinion.

The Latest

News & Commentary
"Victory: Supreme Court rules federal law protects LGBTQ workers from discrimination" written across a pale peach background

LGBTQIA+ Workers Win Supreme Court Battle for Workplace Rights

Last week, the Supreme Court released a decision that it was unlawful to discriminate in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Upon waking up in the morning and reading this decision, feelings of joy and relief washed over me like a tsunami, nearly knocking me breathless. I began crying and contacted my partner, letting them know that we won; that once again, love won. 
News & Commentary
Photo taken from above and angled down. Nebrakans wearing purple shirts pose in the Nebraska Capitol Rotunda

LGBTQ+ Nebraskans Lobby at the State Capitol for the First Time

Lobby days at the Unicameral bring about a variety of people with different political beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. For many, it’s an opportunity to make their voices heard on issues that affect them; for some, it’s a change to fight for their rights and basic governmental protection against various forms of societal discrimination and oppression. I fell into the latter group as I made my way into the Nebraska State Capitol Building on Wednesday with around 40 other people to meet with our state senators. This particular lobby day was organized by OutNebraska, a Nebraska nonprofit dedicated to advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues and creating a community of civically engaged LGBTQ+ Nebraskans. 
News & Commentary
Title X

Title X in Nebraska

A few months ago, I visited a family planning clinic in Lincoln and got to know some of my neighbors who use the Title X program. I met a single mom with three kids who works at an assisted living home and who does not have health insurance. She has been going to the clinic for three years and doesn’t know any other doctors she could go to if her clinic loses Title X funding. Title X was established in 1970 and is our nation's signature family planning program which provides grants to healthcare providers who provide well-woman exams, lifesaving cancer screening, STD testing and treatment, and contraception. The federal grants pass through the state budget and go directly to healthcare providers. Title X money cannot be used for abortion-related services or for abortion.
News & Commentary
Text: The last year was a relentless attack on civil rights and civil liberties. Nevertheless, we persisted, we resisted, & we achieved important progress. Thank you.

Thanks to you - 2017 Victory List

The last year was a relentless attack on civil rights and civil liberties emanating from the highest echelons of political power and emboldening state and local leaders to act in ways previously unimaginable. Nevertheless, we persisted, we resisted, and we achieved important progress.
Court Case
Nov 11, 2014

Waters v. Ricketts

Court Case
Aug 27, 2013

Stewart and Stewart v. Heineman