Domestic partnership certificates issued in Nevada

Posted 18m ago

CARSON CITY, Nevada (AP) — Nevada issued domestic partnership certificate No. 1 on Thursday as a state law providing many of the same legal rights as marriage to gay and straight partners went into effect.

Nevada joins 16 other U.S. states that have laws recognizing domestic arraignments outside of marriage.

The first couple to be issued the certificate — Lee Cagley and Larry Davis — shared tears and laughter and were congratulated by Secretary of State Ross Miller.

"This gives us the legal rights to act for each other's benefit," said Davis, a funeral home director. "It's a wonderful privilege and we're grateful."

While Nevada's constitution bans same-sex marriage, the domestic partnership law extends rights similar to those held by married couples — including community property and the right to seek financial support after a breakup — to cohabitating couples.

Nevada's law permits, but doesn't require, employers to extend insurance benefits to domestic partners.

In southern Nevada, Joleen Toves, 28, and Lisa Villagomez, 25, of North Las Vegas said they considered their partnership a positive step in a personal and political struggle. Their legal status as partners will help them through medical emergencies and other issues married couples commonly face, Toves said.

"It's such a great thing to be able to make decisions for each other and have each other on very important life-changing decisions," Toves said, as she held a white envelope containing their certificate. "She's going to be, of course, my next of kin."

The couple were joined by Toves' 4-year-old daughter Leilei.

Toves, a bank manager, said they considered getting married in California before an amendment banning gay marriage was passed last year. She said she believes the Nevada law passed in part because it also provides partnership rights for straight couples who choose not to marry.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/200 ... vada_N.htm