LINCOLN, Neb. – The ACLU of Nebraska is committed to educating and mobilizing voters if a challenge to Lincoln’s new nondiscrimination updates goes to voters. Today, opponents of the recently updated fairness ordinance announced they have collected enough signatures to put the issue on a ballot.
Last month, the Lincoln City Council passed a measure modernizing Title 11 of the city’s municipal code. The update harmonized local protections with state and federal laws. This included language clarifying and updating protections related to race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability rights, family and martial status, as well as military and veteran status.
ACLU of Nebraska Legal and Policy Counsel Sara Rips said the civil rights organization is prepared to engage Lincoln voters about the measure and to counter harmful misinformation targeting transgender community members.
“We’re proud to support this ordinance along with Lincoln’s business leaders, religious communities, young professionals and community organizations,” Rips said. “It’s unfortunate that a vocal fraction of our community has chosen to use harmful and hateful misinformation to divide our city in an attempt to turn the clock back on basic human rights. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly on the job, when creating a home for themselves and their families, and in public life. We are ready to work to ensure Lincoln supports equality and to make sure no one in our community is left behind.”
