Anti-Gay Wisconsin Attorney General Ignores Duties for "Faith"

J.B. Van Hollen, Attorney General for the state of Wisconsin, decided not to defend a domestic partnership law granting hospital visitation, inheritance, and other rights to same-sex couples because he claims it is “unconstitutional” after a same-sex marriage ban.

Mr. Van Hollen, a Republican, said the domestic partnerships as defined by the law are “substantially similar” to marriage. He accused the Democratic-controlled Legislature and Gov. James E. Doyle of ignoring the will of the people.

Will of the Lord, maybe.

In spite of Van Hollen’s grandstanding, the governor and lawmakers believe that the law will stand.

. . . the rights granted to same-sex couples gives them only 43 of the 200 rights given to married couples.

Registering with the state will make it easier for same-sex couples to complete legal transactions like transferring property and executing wills, and can be used to obtain health insurance through employers that extend coverage to domestic partners.

They also will be guaranteed the right to visit each other in hospitals and care facilities, make end-of-life-decisions and take off work under the Family and Medical Leave Act to care for each other. They will not have the right to jointly file taxes, among others.

The nonpartisan Legislative Council concluded the law should survive a legal challenge because it does not give “comprehensive, core aspects of the legal status of marriage to same-sex couples.” Those include the ability to divorce and to share marital property.

Mr. Van Hollen is working overtime to make a name for himself. I can imagine a name or two for him . . . but I will refrain from posting them. (Maybe you’d like to, in the comments!)

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Mike Daniels is co-editor of Secular News Daily.

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