Supporters of Wisconsin’s Domestic Partnership Registry hope the Attorney General’s decision not to defend it could actually help their case.
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen last week said he would not represent the state in a challenge to the registry, since he believes it violates a 2006 Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
Fair Wisconsin attorney Chris Clark says the decision is disappointing, but it doesn’t change the fact that they believe the registry is legal and will be upheld.
Wisconsin Family Action has asked the state Supreme Court to invalidate the registry. Clark says Van Hollen’s reasons for not representing the state goes to some of the actual issues the challenge is trying to address. Clark says it appears Van Hollen has come to a conclusion on the actual merits of the case, even though it hasn’t even gone to court yet.
Van Hollen’s decision not to represent the state against the challenge means Governor Doyle will likely have to appoint an outside attorney. Clark believes Doyle will “step up to the plate” and defend the registry.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:02)
