DP Victory in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's Democratic governor on Tuesday signed into law a bill granting the state's same-sex couples access to a domestic-partnership registry and benefits such as hospital visitation rights and survivor benefits.

By Neal Broverman

Even though Wisconsin has a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions, the DP bill is a huge move forward for the gay couples of Wisconsin. The DP bill was part of the state budget that Gov. Jim Doyle (pictured) signed Tuesday, reports ChicagoNow.com .

According to the Department of Health Services portion of the budget, "The Governor recommends establishing a domestic partner registry maintained by county Registers of Deeds to allow for the registration of domestic partner relationships. Registered domestic partners would be extended certain dependent or survivor benefits for employee benefits, health and mental health and after-death decision making, probate matters, property matters, and motor vehicle titles."

The DP registry will also allow state government workers as well as University of Wisconsin employees to include domestic partners as part of group health insurance and retirement survivor benefits. Family medical leave to care for a sick/injured partner or nonbiological/nonadopted child will also be granted through the DP registry.

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Name: Zach
Date posted: 7/1/2009 2:51:00 AM
Hometown: Buhl, Idaho

Comment:
Wow, this is great. :] Go Wisconsin! And to all you nay-sayers, come to a place, where, "table scraps," would be a blessing. It is separate but equal, but its something. And it's not like states with DPs and civil unions will NEVER get marriage. Look at Vermont. And Cali, before H8 passed. Takes time. If only Idaho had such a law. I'm surrounded by jurisdictions that have it. Nevada, Washington, Nevada with DPS, and Canada with marriage. Wtf Idaho? Step it up, before I leave you in the dust!
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Name: Jeff Amstutz
Date posted: 6/30/2009 5:52:00 PM
Hometown: Appleton, WI

Comment:
I agree with Kimberly's comments. Change takes time but this is a HUGE step. My partner and I are very thankful for at least this level of recognition. We moved from Virginia a few years ago and shortly thereafter they passed their gay marriage ban along with a lot of other cleverly crafted deletions of domestic recognitions. So we at least moved from nothing to something! Moving forward ... next up, full recognition!
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Name: Patrick
Date posted: 6/30/2009 5:07:00 PM
Hometown: Milwaukee

Comment:
I too feel this is a good law for the gay folks in my home state of wisconsin. As for that amendment there is a college profesor who is as we speak filling a law suit which states that the amendment was passed unconstitutional. I feel that the Wisconsin supreme court will overturn that amendment.
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Name: Roger Burr
Date posted: 6/30/2009 4:47:00 PM
Hometown: Marble Hill, MO

Comment:
My hat comes off to this fine Governor! I appreciate his work on behalf of the LGBT citizens of Wisconsin. I'm also gratified to read the people, themselves, tend to be fair and open-minded. That said; they need to again amend their constitution to get RID of the same-sex marriage amendment, so their citizens CAN marry whom they choose.
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Name: Roy
Date posted: 6/30/2009 4:02:00 PM
Hometown: Madison

Comment:
Most people in Wisconsin are wonderful, decent and fair. We do have our share of right wing nut cases like any other state and sometimes they combine forces and do mischief. But in time good usually prevails. Governor Doyle deserves a large bouquet of roses for this.
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Name: Mark
Date posted: 6/30/2009 3:36:00 PM
Hometown: Oakland CA

Comment:
Just to note some back story. Gov. Doyle opposed the constitutional ban on same sex marriage. During his re-election in 2006 the state republicans also got the vote to ban gay marriage on the same ballot. They tried to use that to unseat him. Gov Doyle has been a great supporter for all gay rights in WI.
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Name: Brian M
Date posted: 6/30/2009 3:32:00 PM
Hometown: Tipton, In

Comment:
The Governor should be applauded. It may be a small step, but it is a step he can make to right as much wrong as he can. The President should take notice.
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Name: Kimberly
Date posted: 6/30/2009 3:28:00 PM
Hometown: Green Bay, WI

Comment:
While some may call it table scraps or insulting, I call it wonderful. Granted, its not full recognition, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. Change is hard and sometimes has to be taken in small steps for the full change to be made. You know that old chestnut... "Rome wasn't built in a day".
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Name: W
Date posted: 6/30/2009 2:58:00 PM
Hometown: LA

Comment:
Matt, Don't forget that, in most of the states, we are still not allowed to get on the bus yet. No one is saying that we should be satisfied with sitting in the back of the bus. But it is a real change from walking on our feet or just tasting cocktail at the white house.
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Name: Dave
Date posted: 6/30/2009 2:56:00 PM
Hometown: Hartford, ct

Comment:
Maybe it's me...but I find this kind of insulting.

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