Issues on November 7 Ballot

[tuins]

Here is some information about the ballot issues that I found helpful:

From Wisconsin Legislative Spotlight http://www.legis.state.wi.us/spotlight/index.htm
October 24, 2006

"Constitutional Amendment on the November 7, 2006 Ballot
There is one constitutional amendment to be considered by the Wisconsin electorate at the November 7, 2006 general election.

" "Gay Marriage" and Civil Unions Ban
2005 Senate Joint Resolution 53 (Enrolled Joint Resolution 30) provides that only a marriage between one man and one woman is valid or recognized as a marriage in Wisconsin, and that a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals is also not valid or recognized in Wisconsin.

"Advisory Referendum on the November 7, 2006 Ballot
Death Penalty in Wisconsin
Also on the November 7, 2006 ballot will be an advisory referendum regarding the death penalty in Wisconsin. 2005 Senate Joint Resolution 5 (Enrolled Joint Resolution 58) provides the advisory question: "Should the death penalty be enacted in the State of Wisconsin for cases involving a person who is convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, if the conviction is supported by DNA evidence?"

"The Legislative Reference Bureau has prepared Wisconsin Brief 06-12 on the constitutional amendment and advisory referendum.

"The Legislative Reference Bureau has also recently published Research Bulletin 06-2, which provides background on the legal status of the death penalty."

[krazzydart]

Originally Posted by tuins

Here is some information about the ballot issues that I found helpful:

From Wisconsin Legislative Spotlight http://www.legis.state.wi.us/spotlight/index.htm
October 24, 2006

"Constitutional Amendment on the November 7, 2006 Ballot
There is one constitutional amendment to be considered by the Wisconsin electorate at the November 7, 2006 general election.

" "Gay Marriage" and Civil Unions Ban
2005 Senate Joint Resolution 53 (Enrolled Joint Resolution 30) provides that only a marriage between one man and one woman is valid or recognized as a marriage in Wisconsin, and that a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals is also not valid or recognized in Wisconsin.

"Advisory Referendum on the November 7, 2006 Ballot
Death Penalty in Wisconsin
Also on the November 7, 2006 ballot will be an advisory referendum regarding the death penalty in Wisconsin. 2005 Senate Joint Resolution 5 (Enrolled Joint Resolution 58) provides the advisory question: "Should the death penalty be enacted in the State of Wisconsin for cases involving a person who is convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, if the conviction is supported by DNA evidence?"

"The Legislative Reference Bureau has prepared Wisconsin Brief 06-12 on the constitutional amendment and advisory referendum.

"The Legislative Reference Bureau has also recently published Research Bulletin 06-2, which provides background on the legal status of the death penalty."

Thank you for your work...It helps me understand the ads a little bit better....!!!!
Just remember to get out and VOTE!!!!!!

[Crys]

More info on Res 30:

Legal analysis of the amendment (pdf)
Why the Civil Unions and Marriage Ban is Wrong

Just a note -- if you are in a committed but unmarried relationship of any type, same gender OR NOT, this amendment affects you, esp. if you live in an area where companies are currently required to provide health insurance for non-married partners and their children, or where you are currently allowed to visit your dying partner in the hospital and be the executor of their living will regarding their health care if they are incapacitated. It's not just an attack on the status of gay people as citizens of the state, it's practically a salvo in a war on singles regardless of their gender or hard-wired preferences.

Something I find particularly disturbing (quote from one of the links above):

The experience of other states that have passed similar bans provides real-life evidence. The national Human Rights Campaign has compiled a report that details far-reaching consequences in these states. For example, Ohio judges have dismissed domestic violence cases involving unmarried heterosexual couples because the victims were not married to their alleged abusers. Even though the women were not gay, the judges ruled that the state's new ban prohibits legal recognition for any unmarried couples--even when it comes to domestic violence.

I'm apalled that this ever even made it so far as a ballot. If it passes, don't be surprised when they have to find a replacement webmaster for this site because I will not stay in Wisconsin. The very question is so vile, so disgusting, that I'm a little ashamed to live here.

[MrKhay]

Quote:
The experience of other states that have passed similar bans provides real-life evidence. The national Human Rights Campaign has compiled a report that details far-reaching consequences in these states. For example, Ohio judges have dismissed domestic violence cases involving unmarried heterosexual couples because the victims were not married to their alleged abusers. Even though the women were not gay, the judges ruled that the state's new ban prohibits legal recognition for any unmarried couples--even when it comes to domestic violence.

Could be that the wrong charges were brought.
This would fall under assault, rather than domestic abuse

[MrKhay]

...

[Crys]

Domestic abuse laws cover different things from simple harassment and battery laws. For instance, the criteria and reach of restraining orders resulting from violation of domestic abuse laws is sometimes different. You also lose some ability to protect your children. Custody issues, child support, restraining orders, it's all affected. The wrong charges weren't brought. I think the District Attorney and other local lawyers can figure out the most correct and applicable civil and criminal charges in their own state. :roll:

http://wsll.state.wi.us/topic/family...sticabuse.html
Wisconsin Domestic Abuse Statutes
Wisconsin Statutes online