In the News: Week of Aug 17

Wis. AG Won't Defend Domestic Partnership Law
Associated Press
Wisconsin's attorney general said Friday he will not defend a new law that grants same-sex couples spousal benefits such as hospital visitation and inheritance, saying lawmakers went against voters' decision not to extend such privileges….


Wis. A.G. Refuses to Defend D.P. Law
Advocate
Wisconsin attorney general J.B. Van Hollen (pictured) said on Friday that he would not defend the state’s new domestic partnership law from a legal challenge brought by a conservative group….


Fair Wisconsin Stands Ready to Defend Domestic Partner Law That Attorney General Refuses to Defend
Racine News
“Fair Wisconsin is disappointed at the Attorney General’s decision,” says Katie Belanger, Executive Director of Fair Wisconsin. “The Attorney General was elected to defend the State of Wisconsin from exactly this type of legal challenge, and we regret that he has chosen not to do so.”…

Doyle, Pocan Blast Van Hollen in Domestic Partner Lawsuit
Wisconsin State Journal
Pocan said Van Hollen was “shredding the Constitution for political purposes” and that the decision will “force the state taxpayers to fund outside attorneys to defend our Constitution and perform Van Hollen’s job.” …


Defending Domestic Partnerships
Wisconsin Radio Network
Supporters of Wisconsin’s Domestic Partnership Registry hope the Attorney General’s decision not to defend it could actually help their case….


Same-Sex Couples Still Feel Prejudice Despite State's New Registry
GazetteExtra
Fear and prejudice are among the reasons few same-sex couples have registered in Rock and Walworth counties since the Wisconsin domestic partnership registry started Aug. 3, two area women said….


Minnesota now lagging behind Wisconsin, Iowa neighbors in gay-friendly legal provisions
MinnPost
"This is nowhere near the rights married couple have, but it's a step," said Katie Belanger, executive director of Fair Wisconsin, the state's leading GLBT advocacy organization.