They've waited nearly 30 years but a Madison couple didn't want to wait a minute longer. Dane County's first couple to file with the Wisconsin domestic partner registry was Crystal Hyslop and Janice Czyscon. The two showed up just after 5 in the morning for the 8 o'clock registry opening.
Hyslop calls it a “historic day” which legally validates their 29 year relationship. During that time the two have exercised other opportunities available including a commitment ceremony and registering as domestic partners with the city of Madison in 1984.
Czyscon also says they've kept meticulous records on hand to prove their relationship including power of attorney, health documents and wills. She says the new state registry will settle the “anxiety” that comes with dealing with those issues.
The domestic partner registry, which was part of the recent state budget, extends a greater number of legal rights to same sex couples.
There was a line out the door at the Dane County office, a county where as many as 2,400 same sex couples reside.
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :55)
