Van Hollen won't defend Domestic Partnership bill

[TheMightyFavog]

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090821/GPG0101/90821061/1978

MADISON — Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says he will not defend a state law allowing same-sex couples to form domestic partnerships.
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Van Hollen said in a statement Friday he believes the law conflicts with the state’s 2006 constitutional amendment that banned gay marriage and “substantially similar” relationships for gay couples.

A social conservative group has asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to overturn the law.

Normally, Van Hollen would represent the state against such a challenge. But in this case, the Republican attorney general says he will not because he cannot “ignore the Constitution.”

Would someone point out to him the part of the State constiutution that says constitutional amendments are onlyt alloed to address one issue at a time?

[MessiahRp]

1. The tool strikes again...

I wasn't elected to be Wisconsin's Attorney, "I was elected to defend Republican Party Principles and Candidates"...

Is anyone surprised at this?

Rp

[undeterred]

2. Outside counsel to represent state in domestic partnership registry lawsuit

MADISON (WKOW) -- Governor Jim Doyle has appointed attorney Lester Pines of Cullen Weston Pines & Bach LLP to defend the state against the challenge to the domestic partner registry.

"I appreciate all of the attorneys who expressed interest in defending the state in this suit," Governor Doyle said. "I selected Lester Pines because he is uniquely qualified as he is already involved in a pro bono challenge to the Marriage Amendment that its presentation to the voters of Wisconsin violated the Wisconsin Constitution."

Pines has 34 years experience as an appellate lawyer and has argued many cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Due to the fact that Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's decided against defending the state, it was necessary for the Governor to appoint outside counsel at additional costs to taxpayers.

http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10988174

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

6. At additional cost to the taxpayers?

I think the Assembly should reduce the AG's budget by the amount of Pines' fee.

[Viking12]

3. Dereliction of Duty.

This needs to be a campaign issue. Even the Obama admin is defending DOMA because it is the law!

[Jimbo S]

4. Do we really want Van Hollen the one defending this?

I don't trust the guy. Get someone who believes in this legislation.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

5. I think you're right

I'll give him half-credit for at least being honest and not deliberatly throwing the game.

[dragonlady]

7. He knew Doyle would retain a private attorney for this

It's another thing they can bring up about how Democrats are always wasting the taxpayers' money. Meanwhile he looks good to his base for not defending this "evil" law.