Same-sex marriage bill passes overwhelmingly in House

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A bill that would protect same-sex and interracial marriages is now heading to the Senate, the Associated Press reported.

Democrats pushed the proposal quickly in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

The bill was passed with a lopsided 267-157 vote, with 47 Republicans and all Democrats voting yes.

Some Republicans argue this legislation is unnecessary as the country faces challenges like inflation.

Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood, who voted against the bill, said House Democrats and Nancy Pelosi are carrying out a “dangerous” campaign to defame the Supreme Court.

“This bill was rushed to the floor, completely disregarding the normal committee process, because it’s just a political ploy,” Flood said in a statement.  “The Supreme Court has made clear that nobody’s marriage is under threat, and to insinuate otherwise isn’t just inaccurate—it’s cruel, hateful fearmongering. The American people deserve better.”

Flood’s election opponent, State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, also released a statement on the passing of the legislation.

She says Flood’s decision is “alarming” and believes that he would be willing to march “lockstep” with Republican leaders.

“As the mother of a gay son, this issue is very personal to me, as it is for countless other Nebraskans,” Pansing Brooks said in a press release.  “I believe love is love, and I will always vote accordingly when I am in Congress. In addition, with our State’s workforce development needs, we can’t afford to send any signals to the LGBTQ+ community that they aren’t welcome here.”

Pansing Brooks also said the court’s ruling has put many other rights in jeopardy, including birth control and in vitro fertilization.

Nebraska Rep. Adrian Smith joined Flood in voting against the Bill.  But Rep. Don Bacon was one of the 47 Republicans who voted to pass the bill.

After the overturning of Roe, the House also passed legislation protecting abortion rights.

See also: House passes abortion rights bill; Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood calls it ‘barbaric’

Both proposals are expected to face contention from a split Senate.