Gov. Jim Doyle said his budget proposal to allow domestic partner registrations in Wisconsin wouldn’t establish relationships that resemble marriage but would simply give same-sex couples some basic legal protections.
“These are pretty common-sense rights that would come to people on the registry,” Doyle said. “They’re just a way we can be a little more decent.”
Nonetheless, some say Doyle’s plan would create a legal status that approximates marriage – something that’s not allowed under a constitutional amendment approved by 59% of Wisconsin voters in 2006.