Gov. Jim Doyle’s proposal to create a statewide domestic partner registry for same-sex couples would be unique in the nation if it becomes law and survives an expected legal challenge, experts and advocates said.
That’s because no state that both bans gay marriage and prohibits other legal recognition of same-sex relationships – as Wisconsin does – allows domestic partnerships or civil unions.
“History looks kindly on those who go first and Wisconsin should go for it,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, a gay-rights group that promotes gay marriage.