Supporters of the state’s domestic partner registry say another court challenge is not surprising.
Wisconsin Family Action on Wednesday filed suit in Dane County Court, claiming the state domestic partner registry started one year ago violates a constitutional ban on gay marriage. Katie Belanger with Fair Wisconsin says the move was expected, after the state Supreme Court dismissed a similar challenge from the group last November.
Wisconsin Family Action claims the registry is unconstitutional because the requirements to sign up are similar to those of a traditional marriage. Belanger says that’s far from the case, because the registry only offers only about a quarter of the state protections granted to opposite sex couples through marriage and none of the federal rights.
The domestic partner registry makes it easier for same sex couples to be protected when it comes to medical decisions or property rights.
When the gay marriage ban was before voters in 2006, supporters said it would not prevent the creation of domestic partner registries in the state. Belanger says that just goes to show that the lawsuit is aimed at discriminating against same sex couples, not protecting marriage.
Belanger says she’s confident the constitutionality of the registry will be upheld.