Wisconsin Attorney General Opposes Same-Sex Benefits
Posted on Aug 28, 2009 11:46am PDT
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Wisconsin, it is being reported that the state attorney general, J.B. Van Hollen, said he would not defend a new same-sex couples law. The new law grants same-sex couples spousal benefits. Some of these benefits include the right to visit partners in the hospital and the right to inheritance.
According to Mr. Van Hollen, lawmakers went against the decision of voters by extending such privileges. An adamant republican, Van Hollen went on to say that the state's Constitution prohibits same-sex couples from having a legal status that is similar to the legal status of marriage. Attorney general Van Hollen feels that the new domestic partner registry gives same-sex couples legal rights that should only be granted to heterosexual couples.
It is being reported that his decision and announcement will force the state to hire an outside counsel to defend the newly initiated law.
When asked about Mr. Van Hollen's statements, Governor James E. Doyle commented that "The attorney general's job is to represent the state and defend state law when there is a good-faith defense to be made. His representation should not be based on whether he likes the state law." Governor Doyle is a member of the democrat party.
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