Same sex proposal draws criticism

GREEN BAY - If Governor Jim Doyle gets his way same sex couples in Wisconsin would be given legal protections-including hospital visitation, family leave and end of life decisions.

Lynn Nash is in a same-sex relationship and knows what it's like to be in the hospital, and not be allowed to see her partner.

"There was nobody I was close to that was able to see me," said Nash.

Nash, who is also the president of Positive Voice-Northeast Wisconsin's largest Gay and Lesbian organization, says she supports Doyle's proposal but says it doesn't go far enough.

"It's not the equality that we were looking for-however it is a great step forward, and you have to take a first step somewhere. Certainly we would like to have the benefits any other straight couple may have," said Nash.

Under the plan state employees would also get health insurance coverage extended to domestic partners.

"I just think we should be fair about this-the University of Wisconsin is the only Big 10 University that does not have benefits for domestic partnerships and that means we're at a competitive disadvantage," said Governor Doyle.

Those who oppose the measure say the state has more pressing things to deal with.

"In a time of financial crisis like we're facing as a state, our governor is simply not paying attention to the fiscal priorities of our state. Instead he's sneaking in a really radical social agenda and we find that unfortunate, and probably very dangerous for the state," said Julaine Appling with Wisconsin Family Action.

Appling says the proposal is an attempt to undermine the marriage amendment, which was passed by voters in 2006 and bans gay marriage.

In fact, the Wisconsin Attorney General - hasn't seen Doyle's plan in its entirety, but is looking into that.

"I think when we get in these hard times, and we aren't willing to make tough decisions-there's more of a tendency to overstep our bounds and so we're going to be very watchful for that," said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen.

Nash and her partner are hopeful the proposal goes through.

"We'll have a sense of peace-that we'll be able to support each other as we're going through difficult times in our life," said Nash.

In order to receive the protections listed in the Governor's proposal -- if it's included in the final budget -- domestic partners must register with the county they live in.

Partners must be 18 years old, and share a common residence.

Couples must also sign a legal declaration of their commitment.

Legislators will debate Doyle's budget plan over the next several months. The new budget year starts July first.