A Capitol Event

MADISON, WI (from WKOW news) -- Same-sex couples in Madison took to the Capitol in what they call a "quest for equality."

Seven same-sex couples recognized their commitment to each other through a symbolic ceremony in the middle of the state capitol Friday evening.

The ceremony was similar to that of a marriage. Couples, both men and women, who had registered already for domestic partnership benefits through the state, celebrated a lifelong commitment to each other. A few faith communities also recognized the couples.

Derwin Leigh, with Wisconsin Capitol Pride, says, "It's the idea that eveyone has a right, in a higher power, to join into a relationship."

Scott Willens, also with Wisconsin Capitol Pride, says, "At the same time, we're still not at full equality, so having the ceremony in the capitol itself is a good statement that not all members are able to get full rights in the relationships they have."

One group, Wisconsin Family Connection, has spoken out on their website against domestic partnership benefits. On their website, they say, "This is precisely the type of marriage imitation that the constitutional amendment approved by Wisconsin voters was intended to prevent. A reasonable person looking at this registry would easily conclude that the registry creates a legal status that is essentially the same as marriage."

These couples who've registered for the state's domestic partnership benefits will receive one- fourth of the benefits that a licensed married couple would. Those benefits went into effect August 3.

Wisconsin has a ban on gay marriage. That's stemmed legal challenges to these benefits.

Steve was one of the clergy that took part by performing a section of the ceremony. Afterwords, we went to the opening of the newest gay bar in town, Plan B, to help the couples celebrate with snacks and a huge sheet cake provided by Wisconsin Capitol Pride.