The Attorney General says he will not defend the state against a challenge to domestic partner registries.
Wisconsin Family Action has asked the State Supreme Court to strike down the registries, based on a 2006 Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage or any similar legal status for same-sex couples. Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says that amendment is the reason why he cannot represent Wisconsin against the petition to overturn the law.
The registries were created by a provision in the state budget and went into effect earlier this month.
In a statement, Van Hollen says his decision isn’t based on a policy disagreement, but on his oath to uphold the state Constitution.
The Supreme Court has not yet decided if it will take up the case. If it does, the state would likely have to hire an outside attorney to defend the law.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :37)
