A state senator has killed his bill that would expand where inmates at McCook Work Camp could work after an amendment prohibiting participation by any agency that discriminates based on sexual orientation was added
A state senator has killed his bill that would expand where inmates at McCook Work Camp could work after an amendment prohibiting participation by any agency that discriminates based on sexual orientation was added. Brent Martin has the story.
Brent Martin
Legislative Speaker Greg Adams asks Senator Mark Christensen to clarify his intent. . .
Speaker Greg Adams and Sen. Mark Christensen of Imperial; "so ordered"
The bill would allow McCook Work Camp inmates to work for non-profit agencies.
Christensen failed to fight against an amendment by Senator Ernie Chambers to prohibit agencies which discriminate based on sexual orientation from participating. . .
Christensen; "that direction"
A state senator has killed his own legislation, rather than accept an amendment dealing with sexual orientation.
Senator Mark Christensen of Imperial sought to expand the organizations that could use inmates from the McCook Work Camp. His bill would allow inmates to work for non-profit organizations, including non-profit hospitals. Senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha succeeded in adding an amendment that would prohibit any agency that discriminates based on sexual orientation from participating.
The amendment is unacceptable to Christensen. . .
Christensen; "next year"
The amendment passed overwhelmingly. Christensen says several senators told him after the vote that they didn't clearly understand the amendment.
A state senator who wanted to allow inmates at the McCook Work Camp to work for non-profit organizations has given up on the bill.
Senator Mark Christensen of Imperial killed his own bill after the legislature approved an amendment that would have prohibited non-profit agencies that discriminate based on sexual orientation from participating.Christensen says the bill would have given inmates more opportunity to learn the skills needed to succeed once released from prison. . .
Christensen; "next year"
Christensen says the amendment was unacceptable.
Senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha sponsored the amendment. He had launched a filibuster against the bill, claiming it exploited state prisoners.
(courtesy of Nebraska Radio Network)
