NCC opposes bill adding sexual orientation to non-discrimination laws

Among bills likely to be discussed at the March 21 "Catholics at the Capitol" event in Lincoln is a proposal to authorize Nebraska cities and villages to add sexual orientation and gender identification to local non-discrimination laws, and add those categories to state employment law.

The Nebraska Catholic Conference (NCC) opposes the bill because it goes too far in its effort to protect against discrimination, said Tom Venzor, executive director.

"Although the NCC opposes unjust discrimination in all of its forms," Venzor said, "LB173 goes too far by forbidding individuals, organizations, and businesses from recognizing the basic distinctions between men and women and the nature of marriage."

Such a law would damage religious liberty, rights of conscience, freedom of creative expression, and privacy rights, he said. "It prevents individuals, businesses, non-profit entities, and religious organizations from living out their sincerely held moral and/or religious beliefs."