Governer Walker blocks defense of same sex visitation rights in Wisconsin

[Problem Sleuth]

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker has told a judge he wants to stop defending Wisconsin’s domestic partner registry in court because he doesn’t believe it’s constitutional.

Members of the conservative group Wisconsin Family Action filed a lawsuit last summer arguing the registry violates the state’s constitutional ban on gay marriage. Former Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat who proposed the registry as a means of granting same-sex couples more legal rights, chose to defend the measure and had filed a motion asking Dane County Circuit Judge Daniel Moeser for summary judgment upholding it. Walker, a Republican, inherited the case from Doyle when he took office in January.

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The listing grants same-sex couples legal rights such as the right to visit each other in hospitals, make end-of-life decisions and inherit each other’s property, although supporters insist the registry doesn’t come close to bestowing all the rights that come with marriage.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/nation...D5G_story.html

Normally would have happened is it would have gone to court, with the state defending its law. Either the courts would have found it constitutional or not, and that would be the end of the matter. However, Walker actively decided to stop the state from defending its position, as opposed to letting the courts decide whether or not it obeys the state constitution. This wasn't a law allowing gay marriage; it was closer to civil union laws, with less-than-full legal rights for same-sex couples. After Walker already made the extremely controversial and unpopular move earlier in the year against teachers' unions, I can't imagine this will help his reelection next year. Wisconsin has always been a moderate state, swinging from year to year from Democrat and Republican, and with his current actions there's a very strong chance he'll jeopardize his chances as governor in the future by coming off as too extreme.

What do you think? Was he justified? Was it the right thing to do? How do you think this might impact the political landscape of Wisconsin in the future? How do you feel about civil union laws in general?

[Sphere]

Your political assessment is actually quite off. This is no miscalculation on the governors part.

Recent data is showing that it is very likely that enough signatures will be gathered for a recall election when the mandatory one year waiting period is up. His political opposition is about as animated as it can be, so he needs to find ways to animate his own base if he hopes to stay in power. I am sure he will try to push a number of such social issues in between now and the recall election in an effort to mobilize his conservative supporters.

[Admiral Piett]

Your political assessment is actually quite off. This is no miscalculation on the governors part.

Recent data is showing that it is very likely that enough signatures will be gathered for a recall election when the mandatory one year waiting period is up. His political opposition is about as animated as it can be, so he needs to find ways to animate his own base if he hopes to stay in power. I am sure he will try to push a number of such social issues in between now and the recall election in an effort to mobilize his conservative supporters.

Wow, what a . Doesn't even have the decency to appoint midnight judges.

[MathiasOfAthens]

Of course hes not justified. Why should you deny couples visitation rights, thats ridiculous.