AG Told Doyle Domestic Partner Law Was Flawed
Governor Hires Outside Attorney To Defend Law
Updated: 5:51 pm CDT August 27, 2009
MADISON, Wis. -- Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has explained why he refused to defend the state's new domestic partnership law in court.In a letter to Gov. Jim Doyle last week, Van Hollen said he believes the state could offer some benefits to same-sex couples, but not "in this current form."He said domestic partnerships violate the state's ban on gay marriage by creating a legal status that is "substantially similar" to traditional marriage. He noted the criteria for forming both relationships are nearly identical.Van Hollen's decision forced Doyle to hire an outside attorney to defend the law against the challenge brought by members of Wisconsin Family Action.
Previous Stories:
- August 25, 2009: Doyle Taps Pines To Defend Domestic Partner Law
- August 22, 2009: AG Won't Defend State's Domestic Partnership Law
- August 10, 2009: 440 Same-Sex Couples Sign Up For Domestic Partnership Registry
- August 4, 2009: Same-Sex Couples Register For Domestic Partnership Benefits
- August 3, 2009: Couples Can Sign Up For Domestic Partner Benefits Registry
- July 30, 2009: Wisconsin Domestic Partners Need Birth Certificates
- July 29, 2009: Official: State Domestic Partnerships Will Survive
- July 23, 2009: Lawsuit Challenges State's Domestic Partnership Law
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