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. Recent polls show that the measure has a 60 percent chance of passing, despite strong opposition by homosexual rights advocates and their allies. Proponents have noted that support for the initiative has grown dramatically since Vermont passed a law in April granting most of the rights and privileges of marriage to homosexual couples. In 1997, the same groups collected only 15,000 signatures for a proposal that defended traditional marriage but did not mention domestic partnerships. Gov. Mike Johanns also supports the initiative.
Supporters also say the measure has a good chance of withstanding an inevitable court challenge.
This factor would make an affirmative vote very hard to overturn, she added. The debate over civil unions in Vermont also is expected to bring record numbers of voters to the polls Nov. 7. Republicans believe the civil unions issue gives them their best chance in almost a decade of unseating Democratic Gov. Howard Dean, who supported civil unions, and of winning a majority in the legislature in the Green Mountain State. Used by permission. Baptist Press Used with permission.