CLERKS DON'T LIKE SAME-SEX PARTNER PROVISION
Friday, March 6th, 2009 -- 2:03 PM
'Wisconsin's' county clerks have some issues with a provision in Gov. Jim Doyle?s budget proposal.Wording in the budget would require counties to register same sex domestic partners.
"The Governor's budget recommends starting a Domestic Partner Registry. It would be maintained by county clerks and registers of deeds," Christina Jensen, Clark County?s Clerk, notes.
That?s not a big deal.
But, the recommendation would also authorize clerks to ?dissolve? partnerships.
"Clerks statewide feel that should go through the courts, just like a divorce," Jensen says. "Our Corporation Counsel has the same opinion we do that we should not be the ones to dissolve those partnerships."
Another concern of some clerks is the recommendation seems to discriminate against heterosexual couples that choose not to get married.
"We would only be issuing those to same sex partners. We feel there may be some discrimination there."
Clerks plan to contact their legislators with their concerns.
Some municipalities and private companies are starting to offer benefits to registered domestic partners.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.