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Journalism of Courage
Governor Gray Davis on Friday signed a bill giving domestic partners in California many legal rights and obligations of married couples in matters involving children, money and property. The law, stopping short of recognising gay and lesbian marriage, places California as a leader in the rights and obligations it affords gays and lesbians.
8216;8216;I believe that all Californians are God8217;s children,8217;8217; Davis said in a statement just before signing the Bill before a standing-room-only crowd in San Francisco8217;s Castro District. 8216;8216;All Californians should be treated with respect, dignity and equality. We8217;re at our best when we respect each member of the California family, no matter where you8217;re from or who you love,8217;8217; the Governor said.
The law will grant state-registered domestic partners the same rights, protections and duties as married spouses. It will give a partner the right to financial support and child custody after a partnership is dissolved, and it will give a survivor the right to collect his or her partner8217;s benefits. It will also make partners responsible for one another8217;s debt.
Under the new law, which takes effect in January 2005, domestic partners who have been together for more than five years or have children must go to court if they wish to separate.
If no children are involved, the partnership can be dissolved within the first five years by filing papers with the secretary of state without involving courts. 8212; LAT-WP
