FREEMONT, Neb., July 28 (UPI) -- The Nebraska town of Fremont has put a temporary hold on a controversial ordinance that bans the housing and hiring of illegal immigrants.

The Fremont City Council voted 8-0 Tuesday night in favor of suspending the ordinance until lawsuits challenging the measure have been resolved, the Omaha World-Herald reported.

Council President Scott Getzschman said the decision does not mean the council is ignoring the results of a June 21 referendum calling for the ban.

He said suspending the ordinance before a temporary restraining order is issued could save the city legal fees.

Two civil rights organizations have filed federal lawsuits against the Fremont ordinance.

"We were advised that if we actually suspend the ordinance ahead of those legal proceedings, we'd have an opportunity to possibly reduce costs," Getzschman said.

The Fremont ordinance was scheduled to take effect Thursday.