Action Alert: Proposed Law Requires Couples Be Married as “Spouse 1 & Spouse 2”

A bill introduced in the Nebraska Legislature is seeking to force all couples who get married in Nebraska to be legally recognized as “Spouse 1 and Spouse 2,” not husband and wife. 

LB 745 would eliminate the words “husband and wife” from Nebraska marriage laws and replace them with gender-neutral language. 

This includes that couples must be listed as “Spouse 1 and Spouse 2” on their official marriage license and marriage certificate. 

Marriage matters. LB 745 not only forces all couples who desire marriage to be married as “Spouse 1 and Spouse 2,” it undermines the truth about what marriage is and why it matters. 

LB 745 will be heard in committee soon, and your voice is needed to help oppose the bill. Would you take two minutes to submit an online comment opposing LB 745?

• • STEP 1: Click here to access the LB 745 webpage on the legislature’s website
  • STEP 2: Click “Submit Comments Online For LB 745” in the center of the page
  • STEP 3: Mark “Yes” under “Include Comment in Hearing Record,” fill out the form, and submit your comment as an “opponent”

Below, you will find a sample letter with talking points to choose from.

Comments must be submitted by noon on Tuesday, February 15th.

SAMPLE LETTER & TALKING POINTS ​

Comments must be submitted by noon on Tuesday, February 15th. Please mark “Yes” under “Include Comment in Hearing Record.”

Chairman Lathrop and members of the Judiciary Committee,

• • A person’s wedding day is one of the most important days in their life, and their marriage license and marriage certificate are some of the most meaningful and cherished documents they will possess.

  • LB 745 would force every couple who gets married in Nebraska to be recognized as “Spouse 1 and Spouse 2” on their marriage license and marriage certificate.

  • The state should not require all married couples to be listed merely as “Spouse 1 and Spouse 2.”

  • Marriage matters in society, and the way the state treats and recognizes marriages matters.

  • Please don’t take away people’s ability to be legally recognized as husband and wife on their marriage license and certificate for those who wish to do so.

I respectfully urge the Committee not to advance LB 745. Thank you for your time and consideration.