Tag: domestic partnerships

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Las Vegas/Clark County extends domestic partnerships

Clark County now offers health insurance coverage for its employees’ same-sex domestic partners.

The County Commission approved the plan Tuesday. Commissioners did not discuss the item, which appeared under the consent agenda.

It’s the first time the county has extended benefits to same-sex partners who have registered with the secretary of state.

Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani, who pushed for the coverage, said the change brings the county into compliance with the state’s domestic partnership laws, which give domestic partners, gay or straight, rights available to married couples. Registered domestic partners are entitled to receive hospital visitation, funeral planning and community rights, among other benefits.

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Wisconsin Domestic Partnerships upheld

A judge in Wisconsin ruled yesterday that domestic partnerships are not substantially similar to marriages, thus meaning the partnerships do not violate the state’s 2006 constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

Judge Daniel Moeser made it clear that domestic partnerships don’t come close:
The state does not recognize domestic partnership in a way that even remotely resembles how the state recognizes marriage. Moreover, domestic partners have far fewer legal rights, duties, and liabilities in comparison to the legal rights, duties, and liabilities of spouses.

Wisconsin’s domestic partnerships allow same-sex couples to visit each other in hospitals, make end-of-life decisions, and inherit each other’s property. The partnerships do not guarantee any ability to share benefits, and same-sex couples still don’t have the right to adopt.