WIsconsin's new domestic partner registry law took effect today. And, same-sex couples were lined up to take full advantage of it:
On the first day of the statewide registry, the hallway outside the Dane County clerk’s office had a celebratory feel. Couples began arriving at 6 a.m. By 11 a.m., about 30 couples had completed their paperwork.In 2009, this new law seems so elementary, but it was an important step and affords protections for couples. But, even this limited law is too much for the right-wing gay-bashers:
Those in line sipped free coffee donated by the Fair Trade Coffee House on State Street, and each time a couple exited the clerk’s office, everyone cheered. Volunteers from Fair Wisconsin, a pro-registry advocacy organization, offered hugs.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Dale Larkin, 54, a Madison nurse who signed up with her partner of 15 years, Marilyn Wingler.
With the registry, Wisconsin became the first state in the Midwest to legislatively enact protections for same-sex couples.
The law, signed by Gov. Jim Doyle in June, accords same-sex couples dozens of the same legal protections as married couples, including the right to inherit assets, share nursing home rooms and take medical leave to care for an ill partner.
The law faces a legal challenge from social conservatives. Three members of Wisconsin Family Action have asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to strike down the law, saying it violates a constitutional ban on gay marriage.They really just hate gays.
