Minuteman Alert - LB169 Prohibit Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identify

NFFV Action Request

Upcoming Judiciary

Committee Hearing

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

1:30 PM, Room 1113

Oppose

LB169 Prohibit Discrimination Based Upon

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

What's behind LB169?

LB169 adds sexual orientation and gender identity to Nebraska's list of protected cases. It states in part; "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all cities and villages in this state shall have the power by ordinance to define, regulate, suppress, and prevent discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status as defined....".

Note the reference to "all cities and villages". This would be significate legislation forcing towns across the state to amend their ordinance to prevent discrimination on the bases of "sexual orientation and gender identity". So, for example, Lincoln who has had a well publicized battle keeping this language out of their city ordinances would now be forced to implement something the majority of residence don't want.

Hasn't this been decided?

Supporters for this legislation will contend the Supreme Court's ruling in the Harris Funeral Home case makes this a closed issue. In the ruling the Supreme Court redefined "Sex" to include "gender identity". The Supreme Courts decision in that case was discussed in NFFV's Minuteman Alert on LB670. The Supreme Court overstepped their authority by issuing legislation verses rule of law. In dissent, Justice Alito made the following statement: “There is only one word for what the Court has done today: legislation.” You can read more about Justice Alito and Justice Kavanaugh dissenting opinions here.

In reality this ruling was a setback but not the end of the story. We need to be diligent in prohibiting this creep into all our legislation. Legislative bills, such as LB169, can and will overtake religious freedoms in time. In fact we're already seeing that.

Who writes Legislation?

Only Congress has the authority to write legislation on a national level. State Legislature writes and approves legislation on a state level. By opposing LB169 we recognize the Supreme Court overstepped it's authority and disagree with their definition of "Sex" which now includes "Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity".

The question then become is "Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity" an inalienable right that our State laws and City ordinances should protect? Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect at all times. Even more so they should be treated with love. This doesn't imply all lifestyles should be celebrated, supported, or provided protections. A lifestyle is not an inalienable right.

Be that rock

Standing up for what is right in the eyes of the Lord is not always the easy path. The waves of social pressure pound away on long-standing cultural norms and even more so on our religious beliefs. Legislation like LB169 is another example of this. Take a stand now and draw strength from above. Palms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

How to be heard?

Take action, your voice is powerful make it heard. LB169 committee hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

How to be heard? Here are three ways:

Most Effective: Testify in person. Going to the Committee hearing and sharing YOUR story with committee member Senators is very impactful. For first time in person testifier here are some helpful hints.
Very Effective: Submit written testimony. If you can't be there in person then submit written testimony. Not sure how to do that, click here. Note; written testimony needs to be submitted by noon the business day before the committee hearing.
Effective: Email your position letter to the Committee Senators and CC your own Senator. For a listing of the Judiciary Committee Senators click here. Note; emails need to be sent by noon the business day before the committee hearing. It's not likely these emails will be included in official hearing minutes though there is a better chance Committee Senators will see your comments. You can request they be added to meeting minutes in your email to Committee Senators.

Not sure what to say?

Listed below are thought starters. Build your story around one or two of them. Quantity is not as important as a short heart felt personal story.

Here are three strong arguments to oppose this poor legislation:

This bill takes away Nebraska cities and village's ability to make their own ordinances on "sexual orientation and gender identity".

Unlike the Supreme Court's ruling in where they overstepped their authority, this bill would make "true" legislation on this issue. This is legislation the people of Nebraska do not need or want.

This bill stands in contrast to peoples religious freedom, which is a protected class.

NEBRASKANS FOR FOUNDERS' VALUES

Board of Directors Team