Tag Archives: Nebraska

Via Omaha.com: A federal judge will not allow a Nebraska woman to be a legal spokeswoman for God and his son, Jesus Christ. Judge John Gerrard dismissed a lawsuit Wednesday filed against all homosexuals. Sylvia Driskell, 66, of Auburn, Nebraska, had asked the court last week to decide whether homosexuality is a sin. In a strongly worded opinion, the judge …

Sylvia Driskell’s lawsuit against all homosexuals has been assigned to former Nebraska Supreme Court Justice John Gerrard, who was nominated to the federal bench by Obama in 2011.

Via the Omaha World Herald: An Auburn woman claiming to be an ambassador for God and his son, Jesus Christ, is suing all homosexuals. Sylvia Driskell, 66, asked an Omaha federal judge to decide whether homosexuality is a sin. Citing Bible verses, Driskell contends “that homosexuality is a sin and that they the homosexuals know it is a sin to …

“On the court’s own motion, oral arguments and any further consideration of these cases will be deferred pending the Supreme Court of the Unites States’ decisions in James Obergefell v Richard Hodges.”

The attorneys general of fifteen states have filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in which they predictably argue that a ruling in favor of same-sex marriage will “irretrievably” destroy their right to self-government. From the brief:  The Constitution takes no sides on same-sex marriage, and therefore leaves the issue up to the free deliberations of state citizens. The …

It seems unlikely that we’d get a decision before the Supreme Court. But we’ve been surprised many times.

Last night a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against a recently-issued Labor Department policy that grants family medical leave benefits to married same-sex couples in states that forbid same-sex marriage. Chris Johnson reports at the Washington Blade: In a 24-page decision, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, an appointee of George W. Bush, issued the preliminary injunction based on the …

From the order: “Appellants’ Emergency Motion for Stay Pending Appeal has been considered by the court, and the motion is granted. The District Court’s Injunction Order of March 2, 2015 will be stayed pending the disposition of this appeal. It is further ordered that this case be set for oral argument in Omaha, Nebraska on May 12, 2015, together with …

The plaintiffs in Nebraska’s marriage equality case today filed their opposition to the state’s demand that the Eighth Circuit Court issue a stay on last week’s ruling, which is due to go into effect at 9AM local time on Monday. See the filing at Equality Case Files.

“The consequences of Judge Bataillon’s decision are real: his injunction undermines the democratically expressed will of the people, and it undermines the role of the family in our basic social order. Marriage is the civil institution that unites children with their mothers and fathers, not just the public recognition of a committed relationship for the fulfillment of adults. Every child …

“Discrimination against anyone based on their sexual orientation has no place in this country. Courts across the country are demanding equal treatment under the law, and today, Nebraska took a major stand against inequality in this country. This decision does not ask individuals to abandon their principles on the issue, but rather, to accept that this country is overwhelmingly diverse, …

Right here. The poll takes a few seconds to load. (Tipped by JMG reader Thom)

The color will shift to mustard should the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals issue a stay. In January the Eighth Circuit declined to lift the stay in Missouri, which is shaded sapphire due to the legality of same-sex marriage in St. Louis and its recognition statewide. The Eighth Circuit will hear oral arguments in the cases out of Missouri, Arkansas, …

They were certainly ready for today’s ruling. 

Via Omaha’s ABC affiliate: “A federal judge has struck down Nebraska’s ban on same-sex marriage. According to an order filed in federal court Monday, Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon said ‘all relevant state officials are ordered to treat same-sex couples the same as different sex couples in the context of processing a marriage license or determining the rights, protections, …

Gay Star News reports: A 23-year-old man is behind bars after allegedly burning down a rainbow flag in Omaha, Nebraska. Cameron Mayfield, 23, stole a rainbow flag from his neighbors, set it on fire, and ran through the neighborhood, according to police. It comes as Nebraska has lifted the ban on same-sex couples from becoming foster parents last week. Ariann …

Last Thursday a federal judge promised a quick ruling following oral arguments in Nebraska’s marriage equality case. That ruling hasn’t come yet but the state has already revised its marriage license forms, which now say “Applicant #1” and “Applicant #2.” (Via Equality Case Files)