And the alliance opposed a Hansen bill (LB943) to exchange "husband" and "wife" with "spouse" in the state's lawbooks.

Hansen and a lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska argued those updates could help prevent patchwork litigation down the road.

"Statutes ought to reflect what the law actually is," ACLU lobbyist Spike Eickholt told committee members during the public hearing. "Why allow these things to be decided on a case-by-case, ad-hoc basis?"

Courtney Phillips, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, raised technical concerns.

Harr's proposed constitutional amendment — which would require a vote of the people — drew broader opposition despite Nebraska's existing ban being unenforceable.

Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, a committee member from Lincoln whose son is gay, criticized the religious groups for their opposition.

"For your groups to come in and continue to harbor on and hold onto the hatred and lack of respect and lack of compassion for my family and for many other families — I just cannot believe you are still doing this."

Reach the writer at 402-473-7234 or zpluhacek@journalstar.com. On Twitter @zachamiLJS.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0