Las Vegas NowLas Vegas Couple Reacts to Domestic Partnership Override

Las Vegas Couple Reacts to Domestic Partnership Override

The Nevada Legislature overrode Governor Jim Gibbons' veto of a domestic partnership bill. Nevada will now recognize the relationships of same sex and unmarried straight couples.

Governor Gibbons made it clear he did not want the bill to become law.

Five states recognize same sex marriage. Nevada's constitution bans same sex marriage after Nevada voters amended the constitution to restrict marriage to one man and one woman.

This new law means Nevada is the 10th state in the country to legally recognize domestic partnerships. Fourteen states have some cities and counties with domestic partnerships.

Desiree Duncan and Crystal Jackson are in a committed long-term relationship. Both have been fighting for a domestic partnership law. "It just mainly means that Nevada is one step closer to gutting full equality for all," said Duncan.

"It's important to me to know that I'm not being treated like a second class citizen, just based on who I love," said Jackson.

Nevada will now extend most of the rights given to married couples to couples in domestic partnerships. "If she is in the hospital, I have visitation rights and can make sure that everything is done procedurally," said Duncan.

Attorney Trevor Hatfield practices civil litigation, including family and matrimonial law. "I think this will make it easier for just about anyone. I think the layperson can then go down to the Secretary of State's Office, file the necessary forms. It should be very quick," he said.

The governor maintains he did the right thing in rejecting this idea. ""I have no phobias about homosexuality. None. This was a statement about the constitution versus the law," he said.

Duncan and Jackson are just relieved that they have the option for their relationship to be recognized by the state. "It's about equality for all people, regardless of what you feel in regards to your religion or spiritually. It just goes back down to plain and simple human rights," said Duncan.

The laws in 21 states have no recognition of same sex couples. Nevada's new law will take effect October 1, 2009.