It is not something that I personally do very often, but I fully agree with the Editorial Board of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. A snippet of their editorial:
But recognizing that domestic partnerships are real commitments is what many businesses and governments are already doing; 150 public and private entities in Wisconsin, according to the governor’s office. Extending to those partnerships the same health benefits that married couples receive is simply a matter of fairness.
It is especially important in the case of gay and lesbian couples who cannot show their commitment by getting married, something they are barred from doing in Wisconsin. But it is a matter of fairness for heterosexual couples, too. Couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, should not be barred from some key benefits of committed relationships just because they don’t have a marriage license.
An oft repeated meme from the conservatives is “Freedom isn’t free.” Well, neither is equality, or allowing people the freedom of being put on the same level as the rest of us, even if we don’t personally agree with them.
The Board needs to override this hateful and cynical veto.
“…should not be barred from some key benefits of committed relationships just because they don’t have a marriage license.”
Unions are there for wages and benefits. This is a benefit. If the employees want it so bad, let them bargin for it.
Why should they bargain for equality? That should be automatic.