Married On One Side, Not On The Other

Marriage equality activists gathered in Omaha on a pedestrian bridge connecting Nebraska and Iowa this weekend to demand their rights.

Gay and lesbian couples and supporters from Nebraska and Iowa marched to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and met in the middle with a message. “As soon as you cross the line, you’re no longer married. You realize that? We’ve got to help Nebraska change that,” said rally attendee Susie Brenner. She and her partner, Linda Beckstead, married after the Iowa ruling made it legal. The legal union is unrecognized in Nebraska. “We live in Omaha and we get no benefits,” Brenner said. “We wanted to get married on the first day available and we want Nebraska to join with Iowa and make it happen.” “We pay taxes. We vote. We serve our country,” said Beckstead. “I don’t think Nebraska understood that we want to continue.”

Civil unions, domestic partnerships, and same-sex marriages are all banned by legislation and the state constitution in Nebraska. Hit the above link for video of this weekend’s protest.