The text of the amendment states:
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.[3]
Those voting yes were voting in favor of the amendment and those voting no were voting against the amendment.
The petition drive that put the proposed amendment on the Nebraska ballot was organized by Guyla Mills, director of Nebraska Family Council. Mills said of her organization's motives: "This is not about hate, this is about love. The Defense of Marriage Act movement was just a platform we had to share the love of Jesus Christ."[4]
A group called the Coalition for Protection of Marriage ran advertisements in support of the marriage ban. The coalition was chaired by former governor Kay Orr and Omaha businessman Bill Ramsey. Dan Parsons of Family First served as coalition spokesman. The LDS Church and Nebraska Catholic Conference were also coalition members.[5]
The proposed amendment was opposed by United Students against 416, a group of University of Nebraska students,[5] and by the Nebraska Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights.[4]
More information Choice, Votes ...
Initiative 416[6]
Choice |
Votes |
% |
Yes |
477,571 |
70.10 |
No |
203,667 |
29.90 |
Close
Following Obergefell v. Hodges the text of Initiative 416 is dead letter and is not enforced. It remains a part of the constitution.
The Nebraska Family Alliance and Nebraska Catholic Conference continue to oppose efforts to remove the text of Initiative 416 from the Constitution following the court rulings.[7][8] Governor Pete Ricketts vetoed a bill to print marriages licenses to accommodate same-sex couples in 2019.[8]
Baker, Tess N. (January 12, 2001). "Family Council celebrates". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved July 7, 2019.