Wisconsin couple challenges state’s ban on same-sex marriage

This week a Milwaukee lesbian couple filed a lawsuit directly with the Wisconsin Supreme Court in an effort to invalidate Wisconsin’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

According to the suit, Katherine Halopka-Ivery tried to transfer ownership of real estate in her name to the couple and Milwaukee County register of deeds officials refused to record the transfer unless the couple filed for a Wisconsin domestic partnership.

The suit contends that Wisconsin’s current law recognizing only different-sex marriages violates equal protection and due process, establishes a two-tiered regime that harms same-sex couples, and interferes with “fundamental rights regarding deeply personal choices about marriage and family life.”

It further contends there was no legitimate secular purpose for Wisconsin to ban same-sex marriage, only religious reasons.

Considering the success of other challenges to bans on same-sex marriage in other states, I’m hopeful this challenge will set our state on a course towards marriage equality.

Share:

Related Articles

8 thoughts on “Wisconsin couple challenges state’s ban on same-sex marriage

  1. Interesting tactic, taking filing directly with the Supreme Court. I expect that the Supreme Court will not immediately take the case and redirect it to the lower courts. “wait & see”

  2. It is so exasperating to be in a Tea Party holdout state surrounded by more progressive ones. I am deeply offended that lunatic Right Wingnuts can prevent me and my partner of 35 years from enjoying the privileges of marriage. While we’re at it, we should also legalize medical marijuana. As a disabled senior citizen, I am currently on seven different medications, five of which could be replaced by ganja. We have an opportunity this year to begin turning the tide back to Wisconsin’s progressive roots. Let’s do it!

    1. James, as a Catholic, I believe in traditional marriage which is in accord with Catholic Church teachings.

      But I also believe that since we live in a Republic, not a Theocracy, with a Constitution and Amendments which guarantees freedom of religion, I see no legal or moral impediment to the right of two persons to exercise a union in accordance with their conscience which enters into a human, spiritual, and equal partnership under the law.

      1. Duane, a nice sentiment but Wisconsin is in the grip of people who listen to and support people like Julaine Appling. The folks in power aren’t willing to consider any legal partnerships and their subsequent protections and benefits if it means extending civil rights to people they hate (and in some cases, self-hate).

        1. Sue, I am confident the people of Wisconsin who are filled with compassion and fairness outnumber the haters. As the good citizens become ever more aware of this injustice and vote accordingly, justice will prevail over the haters and the TP ignoramus.

  3. I still say that marriage is the concept and the term I want to legalize for relationships such as mine. I want every nuance, benefit and meaning of language to apply. Anything less is unacceptable.

    1. James, I am in complete agreement. Nothing less in a Republic is acceptable.

      If I had lived during the Inquisition and in a Theocracy, I would have been burned at the stake. You too!

      Peace to you, and have faith in the justice of our Republic, albeit tardy or delayed.

Comments are closed.