Gay Domestic Partnership Laws in Wisconsin

A summary of gay rights and marriage laws in Wisconsin.

At the heart of the modern Gay Rights Movement is the fight for marriage equality. Across the globe, cities, states and entire nations are recognizing the rights of LGBT people to form families under the protection of the law. Here is where same-sex marriage stands in Wisconsin:

August 3, 2009: Gay and lesbian couples began registering for domestic partnership in Wisconsin, granting them 43 rights associated with marriage including hospital visitation and estate planning. The measure was included in Governor Jim Doyle's biannual state budget that was approved by lawmakers. Voters banned same-sex marriage in Wisconsin in 2006.

August 21, 2009: Wisconsin Attorney General John Byron “J.B.” Van Hollen said he would not defend the state's gay-inclusive domestic partnership registry, calling it unconstitutional. Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) and the Christian-based Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) have asked the state Supreme Court to strike down the law.