US: Nebraska officials convene meeting to discuss equal marriage
Officials in the US state of Nebraska on Friday conducted a meeting with a view to resolving legal conflicts for same-sex couples qualifying for federal marriage benefits, but whose relationships are not recognised by the state.
On Friday the meeting was convened, mainly in response to to the implications of a US Supreme Court ruing on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which was struck down in June.
The strike-down allowed same-sex couples to receive federal marriage benefits.
Nebraska Senator Ernie Chambers has said he would introduce a bill in next year’s session to allow same-sex couples the legal right to marry.
An amendment was approved by 70% of voters in 2000, which means the constitution in the state does not recognise same-sex marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships.
