The state Joint Finance Committee approved a domestic-partnership plan May 22 that would extend some benefits similar to those given to spouses to domestic partners of state employees.
Health insurance and retirement benefits, as well the extension of benefits to same-sex domestic couples, were the main provisions discussed. These provisions were previously outlined in Gov. Jim Doyle's budget proposal.
The benefits were approved by a 12-4 margin on a party-line vote.
The JFC's approval drew criticism from some because of Wisconsin's constitutional same-sex marriage ban. During an interview in February, Julaine Appling, CEO of Wisconsin Family Council, said the budget provision creates a status for same-sex couples that is ""substantially similar to that of marriage.""
The approval has been lauded by Fair Wisconsin, a statewide organization that advocates for civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.
""Domestic partnerships offer the basic legal protections that caring, committed couples need to be able to take care of each other,"" Katie Belanger, legislative director of Fair Wisconsin, said in a statement.
To apply for declarations of domestic partnerships, couples would need to complete paperwork and pay a fee.
The proposition awaits approval from the full state Legislature later this summer.
