Wis. Gov. Walker tells judge he wants to stop defending domestic partner ...
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The governor filed a motion with Moeser late Friday asking to withdraw the defense because he believes the registry is unconstitutional. The governor pointed to a legal opinion Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen issued two years ago that concluded the registry was indeed unconstitutional because it mimics marriage.
“If the governor determines that defending a law would be contrary to the state’s constitution, he cannot order the defense of the law because of his oath to support the Wisconsin Constitution,” Walker’s attorney, Brian Hagedorn, wrote in the motion. “To allow the previous administration’s analysis to bind a subsequent administration would be contrary to what justice requires.”
It was unclear when Moeser might rule on the motion. Even if he dismisses the state, the case will continue. The gay rights group Fair Wisconsin has joined the case as an intervener and will continue defending the registry, said Katie Belanger, the group’s executive director.
Source: Washington Post