Skip to main content

Nevada legalizing domestic partnerships

  • Story Highlights
  • Assembly overrides veto by Gov. Jim Gibbons to approve domestic partnerships
  • Both heterosexual and homosexual couples covered under new law
  • Senate overrode governor's veto on Saturday; bill becomes effective on October 1
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font

(CNN) -- Nevada is legalizing domestic partnerships, with the state Assembly voting Sunday evening to override a veto by the governor, officials said.

The decision by the Nevada Legislature follows a tumultuous week for proponents of same-sex marriage.

The decision by the Nevada Legislature follows a tumultuous week for proponents of same-sex marriage.

The Assembly voted 28-14 to override Gov. Jim Gibbons' veto of a domestic partner bill, said Kathy Alden of the chief clerk's office.

With the vote, Nevada will extend most of the rights given to married couples to couples in domestic partnerships, including those of the same sex.

The bill will take effect on October 1.

The Nevada Senate overrode the the governor's veto 14-7 on Saturday.

The decision by the Nevada Legislature follows a tumultuous week for proponents of same-sex marriage and domestic partnerships.

Don't Miss

On Tuesday, California's Supreme Court upheld a ban against same-sex marriages that voters passed in November, but also ruled that about 18,000 same-sex marriages performed before the ban would remain valid. See which other states recognize same-sex unions »

Same-sex marriages are legal in four states -- Connecticut, Iowa, Maine and Massachusetts.

advertisement

Vermont's Legislature has passed a bill that will legalize same-sex marriages starting in September.

The District of Columbia voted May 5 to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, though it does not itself give marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

CNN's Mayra Cuevas contributed to this report.

All About NevadaSame-Sex Marriage

  • E-mail
  • Save
  • Print