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  Wis. AG won't defend domestic partnership law
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ContributorThe Sunset Provision 
Last EditedThe Sunset Provision  Aug 21, 2009 11:33pm
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News DateSaturday, August 22, 2009 05:00:00 AM UTC0:0
DescriptionWisconsin's attorney general says he won't defend a law that grants same-sex couples spousal benefits.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said Friday that a law extending legal privileges such as hospital visitation and inheritance to gay and lesbian couples is unconstitutional.

He said it ignores a voter-approved constitutional amendment that bans gay marriage and any "substantially similar" relationships.

The Wisconsin Family Council has asked the state Supreme Court to invalidate the law. Law supporters say Van Hollen, a Republican, is trying to make a name for himself.

Wisconsin was the first state to grant domestic partnerships to gay couples despite a constitutional ban. It also was first in the Midwest to legislatively provide some legal protections.
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