Nebraska Children Are at Risk: If a child can't be adopted by his or her second parent, then that child loses many rights, including these rights to: Why shou ld you care? Even if a Nebraska couple decides to have and raise a child together, but only one is a biological parent, the law recognizes only the biological parent.
The other parent, despite providing all the love, care, and financial support that a married parent would provide, has no rights or legal obligations toward the child, and the child has no way to secure a legal relationship with his/her parent.
This is clearly not in the best interests of the at least 1,350 minor children of same-sex parents and unnumbered children of other unmarried couples in Nebraska.
To read the text of LB 571 and to review a fact sheet on the legislation please click the "About Us" button above and to the left on this page.
| Contacting NE State Senators
You can find the e-mail addresses, biographical information and additional contact information for each Nebraska Senator by clicking on the LB 571 is currently in the Judiciary Committee. The March 1, 2007 hearing was cancelled because of snow. The hearing was held on March 20, 2007. The Committee took no action on the proposed legislation rior to the end of the session. However, it is not too late to write to Senators. To see letters to Senators, click on the tab to the left: "Examples of Letters Sent to Senators." Members of the Judiciary Committee: Sen. Brad Ashford (District 20, Omaha)
(402) 471-2622
Office Address: Room 1103, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509
Sen. Steve Lathrop (District 12, Omaha)
(402) 471-2623
Office: Room 1117, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509
Sen. Ernie Chambers (District 11, Omaha)
(402) 471-2612
Office: Room 1107, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509
Sen. Vickie D. McDonald (District 41, St. Paul)
(402) 471-2631
Office Room 1015, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509
Sen. Amanda McGill (District 26, Lincoln)
(402) 471-2610
Office: Room 1115, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509
Sen. Dwite Pedersen (District 39, Elkhorn)
Office Address: Room 1018, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2885 Sen. Pete Pirsch (District 4, Omaha)
Office: Room 1404, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2621 Sen. DiAnna Schimek (District 27, Lincoln)
Office Address: Room 1124, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2632
Sample Letter If you'd like to help these Nebraska children please contact your Senator and the Senators on the Judiciary Committee.
RE: Please support LB 571
Dear Senator ______________,
I’m a parent and (occupation and place of employment). I’ve lived in Nebraska ________ years and my family is a member of the _______________ church. We live at (address) in (City). My (husband or wife) is _____________. (Spouse’s name) is a (occupation) at (place of employment).
Recently it was called to my attention that some children in Nebraska are not able to secure a legally protected relationship to both of their parents. It’s my understanding that LB 571 would correct this problem that directly impacts the lives of many Nebraskan children. I’m asking that you support LB 571.
Surely we can all agree that children deserve to know that their relationships with both of their parents are stable and legally recognized. Also, even though it may seem controversial to some, this protection should apply to all Nebraska children, whether their parents are of the same or opposite sex.
If you have any questions regarding the reasons why I support this legislation, please give me a call. In fact, I would hope that you would call before you would take any negative action toward this legislation.
Thank you in advance for your support of LB 571.
Sincerely,
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