State of Nebraska Archives: on Civil Rights
Ben Sasse:
Don't redefine one-man-one-woman marriage
Strong marriages, traditional families, and local communities are critical to the well-being of any civilization--and especially to a republic. What does this mean?- Marriage, the union of one man and one woman, is the fundamental building block
of society and should be respected and strengthened, not redefined.
- At a time of rising out-of-wedlock births, resulting in the physical and spiritual impoverishment of the young, government should not create incentives against marriage.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, SasseForNebraska.com, "Issues"
Nov 14, 2013
Ben Sasse:
Kids are best raised in a world with one mother & one father
The candidates were asked about the federal government's role when state laws conflict, such as the differing rules on same-sex marriage. Sasse said government's interest in marriage is ensuring that children are raised with a parent of each
gender. "It's empirically obvious that kids are best raised in a world with one mother and one father," he said. He said other questions, such as civil unions, are better left to the states. "The government is not interested in who your best friend is,"
he said.Domina disagreed with Sasse's overall assessment of same-sex marriage. "I am aware of no data to suggest that on a consistent basis that children have a better outcome with a single mother and father living together than children with two
fathers or two mothers," he said. He said that the government should address these issues only insofar as they affect taxes. It should stay out of private matters, Domina said.
Source: Omaha World-Herald on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate
Jun 2, 2014
Ben Sasse:
Children are best raised by a father and mother
Asked if the federal government should address conflicting state and federal laws on same-sex marriage, Sasse said he believes in traditional marriage and children are best raised by a father and mother and doesn't believe the government should be in
the business of defining marriage.Domina disagreed, saying it's the responsibility of government to define marriage. He said he's not aware of any studies showing children fare better with a mother and father than with two fathers or single parents.
Source: WatchDog.org on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate
Jun 2, 2014
Bob Krist:
Switches position, now pro-LGBT rights
Nebraska lawmakers who sought for 4 years to ban discrimination against LGBT workers are emboldened by a new federal court decision linking such protections to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. That includes nearly all of the body's Democrats and several
moderate Republicans, including Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha, who introduced a motion to kill a similar bill last year. Krist said he has been persuaded to change his mind in part because of the success of an LGBT protection ordinance Omaha enacted in 2012.
Source: ABC News on 2018 Nebraska gubernatorial race
Apr 6, 2017
Carol Blood:
Protect hair textures/styles from job discrimination
LB451: Define terms and change provisions relating to unlawful employment practices under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act.Summary by WOWT channel 6 NBC-TV:
The bill expands the definition of race to include features associated with race, such as hair texture, skin color, and protective hairstyles.
Employers are allowed to set safety and health standards as long as they don't discriminate and are applied equally.
Legislative outcome:
Passed legislature 40-4-5 on Apr/29/21; Carol Blood voted YES; Signed by Governor Pete Ricketts on May/5/21.
Source: KETV, ABC-7 on Nebraska Legislative voting record LB451
Apr 29, 2021
Chris Janicek:
Protect human rights for women, immigrants, race, sexuality
My legislative priorities:- Health care coverage for all Americans.
- Investment in education for our citizens.
-
Protect our human rights for women, immigrants, race and sexuality.
Source: Lincoln Journal-Star on 2020 Nebraska Senate race
Apr 16, 2020
Chris Janicek:
Problems get fixed when people vote
Janicek says if you can vote, you need to go out and make your voice heard. "In this state, I hear often that my vote doesn't count," said Janicek. "It is because you
don't show up to vote. Every vote that counts are people who show up and do the voting. We win elections when people vote. Problems get fixed when people vote. I need everyone to get registered, I need you to show up and I need you to vote."
Source: KSNB Scottsbluff NBC on 2020 Nebraska Senate race
Sep 18, 2019
Chris Janicek:
Apologized for sexist texts to woman staffer, won't withdraw
A Senate candidate doubled down on his promise to stay in the race, despite growing pressure to drop out after he sent sexually vulgar text messages to a campaign staffer. Chris Janicek said in a statement that he won't withdraw from the race. "I am a
proud Democrat," Janicek said. "Now is the time for you to realize that I am not going away." Janicek said he repeatedly apologized to the woman. He has argued that, because he's openly gay, his comments shouldn't count as sexual harassment.
Source: Edge Media Network blog on 2020 Nebraska Senate race
Jul 23, 2020
Dave Domina:
Government should stay out of private matters like marriage
The candidates were asked about the federal government's role when state laws conflict, such as the differing rules on same-sex marriage. Sasse said government's interest in marriage is ensuring that children are raised with a parent of each
gender. "It's empirically obvious that kids are best raised in a world with one mother and one father," he said. He said other questions, such as civil unions, are better left to the states. "The government is not interested in who your best friend is,"
he said.Domina disagreed with Sasse's overall assessment of same-sex marriage. "I am aware of no data to suggest that on a consistent basis that children have a better outcome with a single mother and father living together than children with two
fathers or two mothers," he said. He said that the government should address these issues only insofar as they affect taxes. It should stay out of private matters, Domina said.
Source: Omaha World-Herald on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate
Jun 2, 2014
Dave Domina:
Feds SHOULD define marriage, but not as one-man-one-woman
Asked if the federal government should address conflicting state and federal laws on marijuana legalization and same-sex marriage, Sasse said he believes in traditional marriage and children are best raised by a father and mother and doesn't believe
the government should be in the business of defining marriage. The feds also shouldn't be involved in regulating marijuana--that should be left to local authorities, he said.Domina disagreed, saying it's the responsibility of government to define
marriage, noting that a couple dozen states have legalized same-sex marriage. He said he's not aware of any studies showing children fare better with a mother and father than with two mothers, two fathers or single parents.
As for pot, he said the feds need to address the situation where the drug is legal in Colorado but not in neighboring states, while federal law bans the transport of illegal drugs.
Source: WatchDog.org on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate
Jun 2, 2014
Dave Domina:
End gender paycheck inequity & all gender favoritism
Statistically, current evidence suggests that women's compensation lags behind men for similar positions. In 2010, women working full-time earned 77 cents for every dollar earned by men working full time. There is no logic and no sound basis whatsoever
for any argument that women should be paid less than men for the same work. I have heard no one argue that compensation for similar work should vary with gender. These rules should be a basic part of the law:- Gender favoritism or preference is
impermissible and forbidden for all positions except those few, in rare settings, where gender is a criterion for employment.
- Neither gender should be paid more or less than the other for the same work in the same or parallel positions.
-
Performance is gender neutral. Compensation must be too.
- The Equal Paycheck Act passed by the United States Senate makes genuine efforts to remedy historical disparities.
Source: 2014 Nebraska Senate campaign website, DaveDomina.com
Sep 1, 2014
Jim Pillen:
Critical race theory is anti-American ideology
As the parent of a high school junior, I join thousands of Nebraska parents in opposing the proposed State Board of Education "health standards," which sexualize students and supplant parental values with a radical view.
I will continue to stand with Nebraska parents and families against attempts to inject anti-American ideology, like the "1619 project" and "critical race theory," into Nebraska classrooms.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com
May 12, 2022
Jim Pillen:
Opposes protection for sexual orientation, gender identity
Milo Winslow stood at the microphone in the Lincoln City Council chambers, speaking in support of an ordinance to extend discrimination
protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Pillen recently tweeted his opposition to the Lincoln ordinance.
Source: Lincoln Journal-Star on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race
Feb 27, 2022
Jim Pillen:
I'll oppose the radical transgender agenda at every turn
Fight The Radical Transgender Agenda. There's no place for men in women's sports, women's bathrooms, and women's changing rooms.
There's no excuse for subjecting minors to treatments that mutilate their bodies and harm healthy growth and development. I'll oppose the radical transgender agenda at every turn.
Source: 2022 Nebraska website JimPillen.com "The Pillen Playbook"
May 12, 2022
Jon Bruning:
No affirmative action in public employment or contracting
Which of the following state agencies should take race and sex into account when making employment decisions?
Q: Public employment?
A: No.
Q: State contracting?
A: No.
Source: Nebraska State 2000 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Jon Bruning:
No civil unions; no same-sex marriage
Q: Should Nebraska include sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws?A: No.
Q: Should Nebraska recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
A: No.
Q: Should Nebraska restrict marriage to a relationship only between a man and a woman?
A: Yes.
Source: Nebraska State 2000 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Mike Flood:
Protect hair textures/styles from job discrimination
LB451: Define terms and change provisions relating to unlawful employment practices under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act.
Summary by WOWT channel 6 NBC-TV:
The bill expands the definition of race to include features associated with race, such as hair texture, skin color, and protective hairstyles. Employers are allowed to set safety and health standards as long as they don't discriminate and
are applied equally.
Legislative Outcome:Passed legislature 40-4-5 on Apr/29/21; Mike Flood voted YES; Signed by Governor Pete Ricketts on May/5/21.
Source: KETV, ABC-7 on Nebraska Legislative voting record LB306
Apr 29, 2021
Mike Johanns:
Define marriage as between a man and a woman
Q: Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry?A: No.
Q:
Do you support a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman?
A: Yes.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 3, 2008
Mike Johanns:
No affirmative action
Q: Should the federal government consider race and gender in government contracting decisions?A: No.
Q: Should the federal government continue affirmative action programs?
A: No.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 3, 2008
Peter Ricketts:
Marriage is the union of one woman and one man
SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE:
Pete believes that marriage is the union of one woman and one man and will fight to protect the sanctity of marriage.
Source: 2014 Nebraska Governor campaign website, PeteRicketts.com
Nov 4, 2014
Peter Ricketts:
Protect hair textures/styles from job discrimination
LB451: Define terms and change provisions relating to unlawful employment practices under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act.Summary by WOWT channel 6 NBC-TV:
The bill expands the definition of race to include features associated with race, such as hair texture, skin color, and protective hairstyles.
Employers are allowed to set safety and health standards as long as they don't discriminate and are applied equally.
Legislative outcome:
Passed legislature 40-4-5 on Apr/29/21; Signed by Governor Pete Ricketts on May/5/21.
Source: KETV, ABC-7 on Nebraska Legislative voting record LB451
May 5, 2021
Shane Osborn:
Government shouldn't redefine marriage
Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Osborn: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Nebraska Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Steven Larrick:
Sexual orientation & gender identity in discrimination laws
Larrick supports the following principles regarding employment issues:- Include sexual orientation in federal anti-discrimination laws.
- Include gender identity in federal anti-discrimination laws.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Steven Larrick:
Allow same-sex couples to marry
Q: Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry? A: Yes.
Q: Do you support a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman?
A: No.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Steven Larrick:
Continue affirmative action programs
Q: Should the federal government consider race and gender in government contracting decisions? A: Yes.
Q: Should the federal government continue affirmative action programs?
A: Yes.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Jim Pillen:
Restrict gender-affirming care & abortion care
LB574 - Adopt the Let Them Grow Act and the Preborn Child Protection Act:Summary by Nebraska Examiner, May 17 2023: The bill would restrict what gender-affirming care minors could receive, including puberty blockers,
hormone therapies and genital or non-genital surgeries. LB 574 as amended would ban abortions at 12 weeks gestational age, from the first day of a mother's last period.
The bill contains exceptions for the life of the mother, rape and incest but does not offer exceptions for fetal anomalies, including for conditions incompatible with life.
Legislative outcome: Passed Legislature 33-15-1 on May/19/23; Signed by Governor Jim Pillen on May/22/23
Source: Nebraska State Legislature voting records LB 574
May 22, 2023
Jim Pillen:
I don't want my granddaughter competing against a boy
Supporting our women athletes takes more than just buying tickets and watching games, it also means protecting them in the arena and in the locker room. Simply put, I don't want my granddaughter to bear the fundamental unfairness of competing against a
boy. And I certainly don't want her to suffer the indignity of showering next to a boy. And that goes both ways--our boys shouldn't be sharing showers with girls. This is commonsense stuff that the overwhelming majority of Nebraskans support.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Nebraska legislature
Jan 18, 2024
Brett Lindstrom:
Protect hair textures/styles from job discrimination
LB451: Define terms and change provisions relating to unlawful employment practices under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act.
Summary by WOWT channel 6 NBC-TV:The bill expands the definition of race to include features associated with race, such as hair texture, skin color, and protective hairstyles.
Employers are allowed to set safety and health standards as long as they don't discriminate and are applied equally.
Legislative outcome:
Passed legislature 40-4-5 on Apr/29/21; Brett Lindstrom voted YES; Signed by Governor Pete Ricketts on May/5/21.
Source: KETV, ABC-7 on Nebraska Legislative voting record LB451
Apr 29, 2021
Preston Love:
Provide support to historically disadvantaged farmers
Prioritize policies that address historical inequities in agriculture, promoting inclusivity and providing targeted support to historically disadvantaged farmers in
Nebraska, including women and minority-owned farms.
Source: 2024 Nebraska Senate campaign website Love4Senate.com
Mar 8, 2024
Preston Love:
Founder and director of Black Votes Matter Institute
Love is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit
Black Votes Matter Institute of Community Engagement and an adjunct professor of Black studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Source: Associated Press on 2024 Nebraska Senate race
Jan 17, 2024
Dan Osborn:
People's private lives are no business but their own
I oppose discrimination for any reason and think people's private lives are no business but their own.
I also believe that government intervention should only come into play when those fundamental rights are being infringed upon by others.
Source: 2024 Nebraska Senate campaign website OsbornForSenate.com
Jul 5, 2024
Preston Love:
Honor the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community
LGBTQ Rights: Limit or expand LGBTQ rights?- Preston Love Jr. (D): Expand. "We celebrate the progress we have made toward equality and honor the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community as their rights are still threatened
across the country."
- Pete Ricketts (R): Likely limit. "The Biden administration's rewrite of Title IX to include gender identity is classic big government overreach."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Nebraska Senate race
Oct 25, 2024
Jim Pillen:
Transgender girls should be barred from girl's locker rooms
It's hard to understand, a small minority believe it is acceptable to allow biological boys to share bathrooms, locker rooms, and playing fields with girls. This is unfair, unconscionable, and a recipe for predatory behavior.
I don't want my granddaughters--or ANYONE'S daughters and granddaughters, for that matter, sharing a locker room with boys, and I know the overwhelming majority of Nebraskans agree.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Nebraska legislature
Jan 15, 2025
Peter Ricketts:
Urged NCAA to ban transgender athletes from women's sports
22 U.S. Senators sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker urging him to update its student-athlete policy to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. The senators wrote: "Amid the Biden-Harris administration's unprecedented
assault on Title IX, we write to urge the National Collegiate Athletic Association to update your student-athlete participation policy to require that only biologically female students participate in women's sports."The NCAA updated its policy in
2022 on transgender athletes, aligning itself with Olympic standard. The NCAA requires transgender athletes to give documentation that meets sports standards for testosterone levels at three points in time:
- Prior to any competition during the
regular season;
- Prior to the first competition in an NCAA championship event; and
- Prior to any competition in the non-championship segment.
A CNN report estimates there are fewer than 40 transgender athletes among more than 500,000 athletes.
Source: CBS-2-Iowa's Tyler Downey on 2026 Nebraska Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026