Wis. same-sex couples sign up as domestic partners

[sabra]

Source: AP

MADISON, Wis. — Same-sex couples in Wisconsin have started signing up for the state's new domestic partnership registry.

Monday was their first chance to sign up and obtain dozens of the same legal protections as spouses.

Fifty-six-year-old Janice Czyscon (SIZE'-kon) and her partner of 29 years, 57-year-old Crystal Hyslop, arrived at the Dane County offices in Madison at 5:12 a.m. and waited in the rain until the doors opened.

Wisconsin is the first Midwestern state to enact protections for same-sex couples through legislation. Gov. Jim Doyle proposed the plan, and the Democratic-controlled Legislature approved it in the state budget.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jBC_dZLb6sb9yhp1xxA8WuiVbxYQD99RGC7G3

[ccharles000]

1. good

[David__77]

2. Good news!

Glad to hear this. Civil unions should be a minimum action when Democrats control governorship and legislature.

[shireen]

3. do they get all the same rights as married couples?

Domestic partnership and marriage, it's my understanding, have different legal definitions when it comes to the rights of the partners.

[harmonicon]

4. I don't know about that particular state, but not federally

While states allowing same-sex marriage is a good thing, it really means very little unless DOMA is repealed.

[LeftHander]

6. some not all....is my understanding...nt

[GillesDeleuze]

7. no, but the rights do include

hospital visitation and paid leave.

there are no tax benefits

[ccharles000]

5. kick