There is a major misperception regarding the "removal" of domestic partnerships from the state and government omnibus bill. Although the terms "domestic partner" and "same-sex" were removed from the state provision of the bill, the result is the same. Marrriage-like status would be granted to same-sex couples at the state level.
Governor Pawlenty vetoed the bill and called special attention to the language that would have allowed municipal governments to create marriage-like benefits. Nothing was said about the state provision. As the municipal language is more vague, we believe the Governor will veto any future bills containing loopholes that create marriage-like status at the state and municipal levels.
