(Las Vegas—April 21, 2009) Today, the Nevada State Senate passed SB 283 12 to 9-- A bill that Revises provisions governing the rights of domestic partners. SB 283 would establish a Domestic Partner registry through the secretary of state’s office where couples, whether same-sex or opposite-sex, could register their relationships with the state and enjoy the protections granted to spouses under Nevada Revised statute. Dawn Gibbons joined the Stand Up for Equality attendees and spoke out for equality at the Governor’s mansion reception in support of Domestic Partner rights.

SB 283 must now be heard in the Nevada Assembly Commerce and Labor committee. After passing the committee it will be voted on by the full assembly and go to Governor Gibbons, he has said he will not sign the measure. The Center requested a meeting with Governor Gibbons to explain why GLBT couples deserve the same protections and respect granted to heterosexual couples. He has not yet respond to the request.

“Same-sex couples who wish to register their relationship with the state and be granted the same rights, responsibilities and recognition as spouses in Nevada, deserve equal treatment under state law. We pay our taxes, provide for our families and contribute to our community, now we’re one step closer to being treated fairly and as equal citizens,” said Candice Nichols, Executive Director of The Center.

Twelve states plus Washington, D.C. have laws providing at least some form of state-level relationship recognition for gay and lesbian couples. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont recognize marriage for gay and lesbian couples under state law. Five states—California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington—plus Washington, D.C. provide gay and lesbian couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships.