Nebraska lawmakers introduce bills to prohibit anti-LGBT discrimination

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska lawmakers introduced three bills Wednesday that would ban discrimination against LGBT residents, but even supporters noted they face a tough fight in gaining approval for the proposals.

About 100 supporters of the bills, displaying blue and yellow equal sign stickers, rallied at the Capitol as legislators explained why they back the changes.

“It’s a civil rights issue that I think at some point soon will become an embarrassing memory of our past,” said Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, who co-sponsored all three bills.

However Brooks acknowledged gaining passage of the bill wouldn’t be easy.

“I pledge that I will continue to take a stand and continue to fight the battle with my colleagues,” she said.

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The bills would prohibit employers from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity; allow two adults to adopt a child jointly, regardless of marital status; and bar sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination when placing children in foster care

Representatives from ConAgra Foods and independent record label Saddle Creek Records, of Omaha, attended the rally.

“Workplace equality is no-cost no-hassle policy for us that fosters open atmosphere which truly allows everyone to stay focused on their jobs and their performance, rather than be distracted by the fear of being fired for who they are, or who they love,” said Jeff Beck, finance director at Saddle Creek Records.

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