Wisconsin begins domestic partner registry

WIsconsin's new domestic partner registry law took effect today. And, same-sex couples were lined up to take full advantage of it:

On the first day of the statewide registry, the hallway outside the Dane County clerk’s office had a celebratory feel. Couples began arriving at 6 a.m. By 11 a.m., about 30 couples had completed their paperwork.

Those in line sipped free coffee donated by the Fair Trade Coffee House on State Street, and each time a couple exited the clerk’s office, everyone cheered. Volunteers from Fair Wisconsin, a pro-registry advocacy organization, offered hugs.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Dale Larkin, 54, a Madison nurse who signed up with her partner of 15 years, Marilyn Wingler.

With the registry, Wisconsin became the first state in the Midwest to legislatively enact protections for same-sex couples.

The law, signed by Gov. Jim Doyle in June, accords same-sex couples dozens of the same legal protections as married couples, including the right to inherit assets, share nursing home rooms and take medical leave to care for an ill partner.

In 2009, this new law seems so elementary, but it was an important step and affords protections for couples. But, even this limited law is too much for the right-wing gay-bashers:

The law faces a legal challenge from social conservatives. Three members of Wisconsin Family Action have asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to strike down the law, saying it violates a constitutional ban on gay marriage.

They really just hate gays. Read More...

Netanyahu condemns "horrific killing" at gay club. Israeli pols demand stop to anti-gay rhetoric.

Israelis are dealing with the aftermath of the shooting of two young people at at a gay club in Tel Aviv:

As hundreds of gay men and women gathered in mourning Sunday near the scene of the attack, Israel's bloodiest recorded assault on homosexuals, expressions of outrage came from national leaders, lawmakers across the political spectrum, and the Orthodox Jewish religious hierarchy. Some secular politicians called the shooting a hate crime and demanded an end to incitement against gays by elected officials, religious leaders and others.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned what he called a "horrific killing" and told his Cabinet, "We are a tolerant, democratic country governed by the rule of law, and we must respect each and every person."

It's good to hear such strong condemnation from a nation's leader -- and a right-wing, conservative leader at that. In our country, we need secular politicians calling for "an end to incitement against gays by elected officials, religious leaders and others." In the U.S., that list of people who must stop inciting hate includes Catholic Church, the Mormon Church and Focus on the Family. Coincidentally, over the past few months, Obama has met with the Pope, the President-Prophet of the Mormons and had the leader of Focus on the Family to the White House. A good message from Obama to all of them would have been: stop spreading the anti-gay venom. But, you know that didn't happen. Read More...

As Fehrenbach awaits discharge under DADT, there's no White House action and still no Senate bill

The Washington Post has a profile today on Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, who is about to be discharged because of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Fehrenbach didn't tell. He was outed. And, he trusted that Obama would follow through on his campaign promise to end DADT:

After investigating, the Air Force charged him last September with damaging its good order and discipline. The "don't ask, don't tell" law, passed by Congress in 1993, prohibits gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals from serving openly in the U.S. armed forces.

Fehrenbach, who has nine Air Medals, including one for heroism under fire during an enemy ambush near Baghdad in 2003, intended to resign. But he changed his mind last fall with the prospect of a Barack Obama presidency.

As a candidate, Obama promised that the law would be overturned, but the administration has moved cautiously, not wanting to wage a costly political battle on the divisive issue during the president's first months in office, as President Bill Clinton did.

"Hearing the president's promises last fall, I thought he would follow through," Fehrenbach said. "It's just been disappointing because we've seen nothing."

In April, a review board ruled against Fehrenbach, and unless Air Force Secretary Michael Donley rejects the recommendation, he will be dismissed. If he is unable to retire with 20 years of service, Fehrenbach will lose nearly $50,000 a year in retirement pay as well as medical benefits. More disappointing, Fehrenbach said, is being unable to serve the country in a time of war.

"It doesn't make sense to throw out someone who's ready, willing and able," he said.

It doesn't make sense. And, what also doesn't make sense is the failure of Barack Obama to take any action to end the policy. On this issue, we have a complete failure of leadership. Obama does have the authority to stop discharges under Don't Ask, Don't Tell. But, he hasn't. And, from every bit of info. I can gather, the White House staffers have done nothing to encourage action on Capitol Hill. When Obama wants something from Congress, people on the Hill know it. On this one, nothing.

Meanwhile, Rep. Patrick Murphy now has 168 co-sponsors for his legislation to repeal DADT. There isn't even a Senate bill yet, although we've been told there will be hearings on DADT. The Majority Leader said he supports repeal. Lots of Senators do. But, there's still no legislation.

And, note to everyone: During the campaign, Obama promised to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Repeal, not change. Anything short of repeal isn't change we can believe in. Read More...