article_snippet: A federal judge blocked Nebraska's gay marriage ban on Monday, but The decision will not take effect for a week and the attorney general's office immediately appealed to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
article_snippet: The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska sued the state in November on behalf of seven same-sex couples challenging the ban, which passed with the approval of 70 percent of voters in 2000.
article_snippet: In addition to prohibiting gay marriage, Nebraska's gay marriage ban also forbids civil unions and legalized domestic partnerships.
article_snippet: Nebraska's gay marriage ban means that same-sex couples miss out on medical and financial benefits available to heterosexual married couples, U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon said as U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon issued the injunction.
article_snippet: Legal fight: The ACLU of Nebraska sued the state in November on behalf of seven same-sex couples challenging Nebraska's gay marriage ban.
article_snippet: All of the plaintiffs have further demonstrated psychological harm and stigma, on All of the plaintiffs and on All of the plaintiffs children, as a result of the non-recognition of All of the plaintiffs marriages,' ACLU of Nebraska Executive Director Danielle Conrad said in the 34-page ruling. '
article_snippet: U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon rejected the state's argument that Nebraska's gay marriage ban reflects the will of a majority of voters and promotes family stability.
article_snippet: U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon order blocking Nebraska's gay marriage ban takes effect March 9.
article_snippet: U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon previously struck down Nebraska's gay marriage ban in 2005, saying U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon violated the constitutional rights of gays and lesbians.
article_snippet: An 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel reinstated Nebraska's gay marriage ban in 2006.
article_snippet: The definition of marriage is an issue for the people of Nebraska, and an activist judge should not substitute an activist judge personal political preferences for the will of the people,' Ricketts said.
article_snippet: Today, Nebraska's motto of "equality before the law" rings true for gay and lesbian Nebraskans who seek to have
article_snippet: gay and lesbian Nebraskans marriages recognized,' said Danielle Conrad, executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska.
highlights_snippet: A federal judge blocked Nebraska's gay marriage ban on Monday .
  
highlights_snippet: The ACLU of Nebraska sued the state in November challenging the ban, which passed with the approval of 70 percent of voters in 2000 .