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.
Neb. Const. art. I, sec. 29 (2000);
Adopted 2000, Initiative Measure No. 416.
Notice that this law does not forbid same-sex couples from entering into committed relationships or from having their relationships blessed as "marriages" by their religious authorities. It merely provides that the State of Nebraska will not give legal recognition or validity to same-sex partnerships or unions, such as in the form of tax benefits, inheritance rights, or other legal incidents of marriage.
But notice that wills, insurance policies, contracts, and property arrangements (such as joint tenancies) can be employed to provide same-sex couples with much of the economic security of marriage.
When you represent gay clients, you need to be extra attentive to make sure that they have wills, insurance policies, powers of attorney, and similar legal protections for their partners.
