Take That Gibbons

So, this is what history looks like.

The Nevada State Assembly voted last night to override the veto of Governor Jim Gibbons on a bill giving legal rights to domestic partners. Nevada has become the 17th state to recognize the relationships of gay and lesbian couples under state law. Not marriage, but at least we're being recognized. it's a step. The new law takes effect October 1.

The governor says the people of Nevada were against the bill. He says gay folks are okay, but that we don't deserve the same rights as regular people; if we want some--and we only get some, not all--protections, we ought to get down to a lawyer's office and draft up a contract to protect us. Everyone else can just shoot craps, hit the drive-thru wedding chapels and follow up with a 99-cent buffet, but the gays gotta get it in writin' with all the proper signatures and stamps.

However, assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, a Democrat from Reno, called the Gibbon's smackdown an “historic vote for equality and justice,” and added, “This is the most important civil rights legislation we’ve had in all my years here and I am so happy and honored to be a part of it.”

Yes, it is, Sharon. Indeed.

And, way to go, Nevada. Now, it's just a hop, skip and a jump for marriage equality.

The Discrimination Train Keeps Chugging Along

Nevada lawmakers have passed two pro-equality bills: one outlawing job discrimination based on sexual orientation, and one establishing domestic partnership rights for same-sex couples. Both bills were sponsored by Senator David Parks, Nevada’s only openly gay legislator.

But all is not right in Nevada. Guess which one is creating drama.

Yup. Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons said he plans to veto the domestic partner legislation, citing several reasons for his decision. Gibbons' spokesman, Daniel Burns says:

“The governor believes that government has no business in your medicine chest or your bedroom. He also believes there are existing contracts that can be created, so no change to the law is needed. If there are people who want to be domestic partners, they can do so under existing laws. He is also mindful of the fact that voters of this state on two occasions have said that marriage is between a man and a woman, and it’s part of our Constitution.”

Well, let me ask a question. Why, if you're gay and living in Nevada, do you have to jump through hoops and run that extra mile, and ask Mother May I just to get the same thing available to every other resident of Nevada?

That sounds like discrimination to me, Governor.

And that ain't good.

It's A Third Less Filling Than Regular Marriage

Nevada is now doing the Marriage Lite two-step.

The Nevada Senate has approved legislation that would allow same-sex couples to register as domestic partners and receive many of same rights as married couples have in the state.

Tastes great!

Less filling!

The bill also would include opposite-sex couples who do not wish to marry.

Now see, this is where it gets confusing. Same-sex and opposite-sex marriage? Can't we just call it marriage and be done with all this, for lack of a better word, pun intended, semantics?

This Less-Than-Marriage-But-Gosh-Isn't-It-Close measure still needs approval by the Assembly, but even if it passes, Repugnant Asshat Governor, Jim Gibbons says he'll veto it. The Senate's 12 - 9 vote falls short of the 14 votes needed to override a veto.

“I just don’t believe in it,” Gibbons said of the bill last week.

Yes. You heard him right. I just don't believe in it. Is that the most dumbassed statement in the world? I mean, I'd understand if you spewed the 5,000 years of traditional marriage bull....or even the sanctity of marriage crap....but I just don't believe in it?

Did this fool win an election to be governor, or was it the prize on a nickel slot machine?

Then Gibbons says he thinks Nevada voters won't believe in it either, and points to California and the passage of Prop H8 last year.

Really? Can we all stop holding up California as the example: Looky here, them libruls out there in Callie-forn-eee-yah don't like them gays being equal, so neither do we!

Give me an effin' break.

Take a gander at Iowa and Vermont, asshat. Learn from them.