A week after a federal judge heard
arguments in a challenge to Nebraska's ban on gay marriage, about 50
clergy have pledged to marry gay couples if the ban is overturned.
U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon
promised last week to issue a ruling “expeditiously.”
According to the Omaha
World-Herald, Heartland Clergy for Inclusion is asking clergy
to sign an online pledge – promoted with the hashtag #ReadyToMarry
– agreeing to marry gay couples if the ban is lifted.
“It's important for people to
understand there are religious leaders who support equality for
same-sex couples when it comes to marriage,” organizer the Rev.
Scott Jones told the paper.
Most of the 57 clergy who have signed
the pledge are from the Omaha area and Lincoln.
“We're happy we've been able to
mobilize clergy who will make it possible for same-sex couples to
have a marriage ceremony blessed by the church,” said Rev. Pamela
Owens of Metropolitan Community Church.