Nevada overrides governor’s veto to provide domestic partnerships
The Nevada Assembly has voted 28-14 to override Governor Jim Gibbons’ veto of a law allowing domestic partnerships for gay and straight unmarried couples.
During the weekend, the US state’s Senate voted 14-7 to override Gibbons’ veto, meaning the bill will become effective from October 1st.
It will allow gay and straight couples the same responsibilities as married couples relating to issues such as property and debt, and also protect them from discrimination.
No solemnisation ceremony would be required for domestic partners, who will be able to choose whether to have one or not.
State Senator David Parks, the bill’s chief sponsor, said: “I’m immensely pleased that the veto of the governor has been overridden. It’s a great day for fairness and equality in Nevada.”
The law means that couples, whether gay or straight, will be able to sign a registry at the secretary of state’s office and then pay a fee for a domestic partnership contract which offers some of the rights and responsibilities available to married couples.
However, employers are not required to offer healthcare and other benefits to domestic-partner couples.
In 2002, Nevada voted for a constitutional amendment specifying that a marriage can be between only a man and a woman.
