From the Associated Press on Friday:
MADISON Wisconsins attorney general said Friday he will not defend a new law that grants same-sex couples spousal benefits such as hospital visitation and inheritance, saying lawmakers went against voters decision not to extend such privileges.
When the people have spoken by amending our Constitution, I will abide by their command, said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, who believes the law is unconstitutional. When policy makers have ignored their words, I will not.
The law, which took effect Aug. 3, allows gay and lesbian partners to receive dozens of the same legal protections as married spouses. So far, 413 couples have been added to the state registry and more have applied.
The conservative Wisconsin Family Council asked the state Supreme Court last month to invalidate the law. The group argued that it conflicts with a 2006 constitutional amendment approved by voters that banned gay marriage and any substantially similar relationships.
Todays question is: Whos right? The citizens who voted to ban gay marriages in Wisconsin? Or state lawmakers who extended spousal benefits to same-sex partners?
MADISON Wisconsins attorney general said Friday he will not defend a new law that grants same-sex couples spousal benefits such as hospital visitation and inheritance, saying lawmakers went against voters decision not to extend such privileges.
When the people have spoken by amending our Constitution, I will abide by their command, said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, who believes the law is unconstitutional. When policy makers have ignored their words, I will not.
The law, which took effect Aug. 3, allows gay and lesbian partners to receive dozens of the same legal protections as married spouses. So far, 413 couples have been added to the state registry and more have applied.
The conservative Wisconsin Family Council asked the state Supreme Court last month to invalidate the law. The group argued that it conflicts with a 2006 constitutional amendment approved by voters that banned gay marriage and any substantially similar relationships.
Todays question is: Whos right? The citizens who voted to ban gay marriages in Wisconsin? Or state lawmakers who extended spousal benefits to same-sex partners?
