Approved by the Assembly on May 10, 2004

Resolution in opposition to the proposed State constitutional amendment regarding the definition of marriage

Whereas, both branches of the State of Wisconsin Legislature have approved a joint resolution to amend the State's constitution by creating a new Section 13 of Article XIII with the following language:

"Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state."

And, whereas this proposed amendment is unacceptable in a society that is dedicated to freedom and equal protection under the law; and

Whereas it is unclear what impact this proposed amendment will have on the ability of public and private sector employers to offer domestic partner benefits; and

Whereas, the constitutional amendment is an extreme and unprecedented measure that would enshrine discrimination against, and reinforce intolerance of, one class of people; and

Whereas, such intolerance affects the ability of the University of Wisconsin-Madison to recruit and retain staff, faculty, and students,

Be it therefore resolved that the University of Wisconsin-Madison Academic Staff Assembly opposes the proposed state constitutional amendment quoted above.

And, further be it resolved that the University of Wisconsin-Madison Academic Staff Assembly calls on the Wisconsin State Legislature to provide leadership in creating a society where equal rights under the law are protected for all persons.