LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts is denouncing a federal judge’s decision to strike down Nebraska’s constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.

The Republican governor said Monday that the issue should be left to Nebraskans, and not an “activist judge” subverting their will.

Ricketts say he will work with Attorney General Doug Peterson, a fellow Republican, to uphold the current constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2000.

The ACLU of Nebraska hailed the decision as a victory for equal rights.

The ruling on Monday was immediately appealed to the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition to prohibiting gay marriage, Nebraska also forbids civil unions and legalized domestic partnerships.