Omaha.com

Federal judge rules gay marriage ban unconstitutional

LINCOLN (AP) - A federal judge Thursday struck down Nebraska's ban on gay marriage, saying the measure interferes not only with the rights of gay couples but also with foster parents, adopted children and people in a host of other living arrangements.

The constitutional amendment, known as Initiative 416, passed in 2000 with 70 percent of the vote. It prevents homosexuals who work for the state or the University of Nebraska system from sharing health insurance and other benefits with their partners.

In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon said the ban 'imposes significant burdens on both the expressive and intimate associational rights' of gays and lesbians and 'creates a significant barrier to the plaintiffs' right to petition or to participate in the political process.

Must be one of those liberal judges everyone is complaining about, except use liberals.

Semper Fi