Wisconsin's county clerks have some issues with a provision in Governor Jim Doyle's budget proposal.
The measure would require counties to register same sex domestic partners. That registry would be maintained by the register of deeds in each county and allow partners to access certain medical and financial benefits.
Clark County Clerk Christina Jensen says the proposal is not a big deal for most of her counterparts across the state. However, she says there are concerns about a provision that would force Clerks to "dissolve" those partnerships as well. Jensen says most feel those should go through the courts, just like a divorce.
Another concern of some clerks is the provision seems to discriminate against heterosexual couples that choose not to get married. The Governor has said the measure only applies to same-sex couples because they don't have the option of getting married.
