Gov. Walker's attempt to stop defending Wisconsin's domestic partnership registry -- which gives gay and lesbian couples some, but not all, rights afforded married heterosexual couples -- will not end defense of the law.
"It's very disappointing that the governor won't stand up for basic rights like hospital visitation rights for gay and lesbian couples," says Katie Belanger, executive director of Fair Wisconsin. "But this does not change the merits of the case."
Fair Wisconsin's own lawyers will continue the fight.
Passed in 2009, the law was quickly challenged by Wisconsin Family Action. State Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen refused to defend the state in the lawsuit, forcing former Gov. Jim Doyle to hire a private attorney to do so. Now Walker is balking at defending the law.
The case is being argued in Dane County circuit court; a decision is expected this summer.
