Domestic Partners

Three bills that would assist same-sex couples in the event of one partner’s death were passed by the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Legislators recalled stories of couples who underwent hardships because of inequality in the law, while Tom Prichard of the Minnesota Family Council called the bills “discriminatory” and said they are “unfair to married couples.”

St. Paul City Council members Dave Thune and Lee Helgen will be introducing a proposal for a domestic partner registry this week. For a $20 fee, couples who cannot marry (and some who wish not to) can get their relationship recognized through a city registry. Proponents say the registry will aid couples, especially same-sex couples, [...]

Despite fierce opposition from Republicans, a bill that would allow same-sex partners to make end-of-life decisions for their partners passed the Minnesota Senate on Thursday by a 37 to 24 vote. The bill, which also gives same-sex partners the right to sue for wrongful death, was opposed by legislators who said it was simply a back door to gay marriage.

A bill that would rectify discrimination in Minnesota statutes and allow domestic partners to make end-of-life decisions for each other is being strongly opposed by the Minnesota Family Council. The reason? The measure discriminates against married couples, council President Tom Prichard charged.

Two proposals aimed at providing domestic partners the ability to take time off to care for sick loved ones passed key committees this week. The bills have raised some controversy because both bills would work to the benefit of same-sex couples and provide a modest amount of fairness in state employment.

An amendment to a state [...]