As of October 1st in Nevada, same-sex as well as opposite-sex couples will be able to enter into domestic partnerships that will grant them many of the same legal rights and responsibilities as married heterosexual couples.
The domestic partnerships, however, are not the same as marriages, as employers are not required to offer medical and other benefits to employees in domestic partnerships, but they can choose to. Domestic partnerships grant couples the right to make decisions regarding wills, inheritances, and health care.
Nevada’s Assembly overrode Governor Jim Gibbons’ veto on the domestic partnership law 28-14.
Harrah’s Entertainment heavily lobbied legislators to reject the veto, fearing boycotts from the LGTB community, who wield $700 billion in disposable income.
The new domestic partnerships will benefit older opposite-sex couples retired in the state as well who, after finding new partners after the death of a spouse, don’t often re-marry.
Governor Gibbons had no hard feelings, and according to his spokesperson, said, “The system worked the way it was supposed to work.”
Senator David Parks, who sponsored the domestic partnership bill, said, “It├óΓé¼Γäós a great day for fairness and equality in Nevada.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Although we won’t be totally content until gays and lesbians have equal access to drive-thru Vegas weddings!
[Image via AP Images.]