Governor Pete Ricketts vetoes an anti-discrimination bill while inking an abortion bill.
Ricketts veoted a bill introduced by Omaha State Senator Machaela CAvanaugh which would’ve protected people against workplace discrimination based on hairstyle related to race, such as corn rows or twists under the Nebraska Fair Employment Act.
There can not be an override attempt since the legislature adjourned.
Groups like the ACLU say they are ‘disappointed’ in the decision.
Saturday, Ricketts signed a bill prohibiting dismemberment abortion. Introduced by Lincoln State Senator Suzanne Geist, the felony is punishable by up to two years in prison and or a fine of $10,000.
“Nebraska is a pro-life state, and this week the Legislature took an important step to strengthen our culture of life,” said Gov. Ricketts. “Senator Geist’s bill bans the horrific procedure of dismemberment abortion, which tears apart a living baby’s body limb by limb. This brutal procedure has no place in a humane, civilized society. I commend Sen. Geist, and the bill’s supporters in the Unicameral, for outlawing this barbaric practice in Nebraska.”
Initially, the Unicameral’s Judiciary Committee held LB 814 in committee, blocking it from receiving a vote from the Legislature. Senator Geist, however, filed a “pull motion,” supported by a majority of Senators, to bring the bill to the floor of the chamber for debate. She then successfully garnered support to overcome three filibusters so that a final vote could be taken to pass the bill.
“As the Senator for the 25th District, I was honored to carry LB 814. This bill passed because a great majority of the Legislative body and a great majority of Nebraska citizens agree with pro-life legislation. I appreciate all who prayed, who contacted their Senators, and all who voted. This is a significant step forward for the pro-life movement,” Geist said.