Wisconsin Congresswoman Got It Right – Prop 8 Response

August 5, 2010

Wisconsin congresswoman Tammy Baldwin responded to the Proposition 8 decision from CA Supreme Court,

“We live in a democracy wherein majority rule is checked and balanced by the guarantee of inalienable minority rights. This case, as it wends its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, presents jurists with fundamental questions about minority rights and majority rule. I believe Judge Walker got it right, declaring that denial of marriage rights and protections to gay and lesbian citizens violates the Constitution even if it reflects the will of the majority of Californians.”

In Wisconsin same-sex marriage is illegal, same-sex adoption is illegal and

The domestic partnership in Wisconsin is liken to eating the bread crumbs and drinking half-filled glasses of warm wine from the marriage feast.  Wisconsin provide some rights, such as the ability to inherit a partner’s estate in the absence of a will, hospital visitation, and the ability to access family medical leave to care for a sick partner. A domestic partnership can be registered at the county level, with couples having to sign a legal declaration of their commitment. This falls short of providing protection for stay-home partners and families.

Ashland County Congressman Dave Obey – I have requested a response to:

  • Massachusetts Supreme Court, Judge Joseph Tauro found Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional (DOMA bars the federal government from recognizing gay marriages).
  • California Supreme Court has ruled that the state’s ban on same-sex marriage violates the Constitution’s guarantee of equal rights for all Americans.

Stay Tuned.

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