Domestic partners seeking status

As Jason Veach skimmed over the application to legalize his relationship with his partner, J.J. Kingery, he couldn't resist a good-natured gibe:

"How come your name always comes first?" Veach asked.

Kingery was just as tongue-in-cheek in his reply:

"Maybe we should hyphenate."

The couple's exchange was representative of the general mood in Secretary of State Ross Miller's Las Vegas office on Monday morning, as pre-registration for domestic partnerships began.

A state law to recognize domestic partnerships goes into effect Oct. 1, but early applications were allowed because of the sheer number expected, a spokesperson in Miller's office said Monday.

As 5 p.m. neared Monday, the secretary of state's offices in Las Vegas and Carson City had received 78 walk-in and mailed submissions -- 156 individuals total for the first day, a spokesperson said.

Two couples were in line to submit applications as the Las Vegas office opened its doors at 8 a.m., one being Kingery and Veach.

Kingery said they arrived early because they expected a line.

He was surprised there wasn't one, but speculated that some people were getting the necessary forms online.

"Maybe they're doing that today and applying later. I don't know," he said. "You can't really count the importance and popularity of it until everybody's registered and it's all said and done."

Kingery said he and Veach have been a couple for 16 years. They had a commitment ceremony 13 years ago and see this as another step forward in a fight for equality.

"He's still my husband, regardless, but it's nice to have some legal rights, even though they're not full legal rights," he said.

Maggie McLetchie, staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, said domestic partners should be thrilled about the law. She said couples also need to do the necessary research to understand it.

For instance, an employer isn't required to give domestic partnership benefits to employees, she said. And if you leave the state, you could be leaving your rights behind, she said.

"Your domestic partnership might not be recognized by another state, like a marriage would be," McLetchie said.

One of the most positive benefits is the right to visit a domestic partner in the hospital, she said.

Hospital visitation was an especially hot topic for James Hook, 60, and his partner Peter Schmitt, 68. The couple will celebrate their 40th anniversary in April.

"It's been a long time coming," Hook said. "You go into the hospital and you have to say, 'Well, that's my brother.' You have to lie about it, and I'm tired of that. It's about time we can actually be who we are."

Schmitt said he and Hook are planning a celebratory ceremony for family and friends.

They're debating between April 15, their anniversary, or Oct. 1, the day the state law goes into effect and also Schmitt's birthday.

But one day, no matter how special, will never speak as loud as a lifetime together does, Schmitt said.

"This isn't about love. We have been in love," he said. "This is about our rights."

Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.