domestic partnerships

Gannett's The Courier-Journal reports that the same-sex partner of a woman facing murder and robbery charges in Jefferson County, Kentucky, can be compelled to testify against her. The two women entered into a civil union in Vermont, but they never converted their civil union into a marrage as was possible after Vermont allowed same-sex marriages. The judge reasoned that couple would have to be married at the very least for Kentucky to recognize their union for purposes of triggering the spousal privilege against testifying against one's spouse. Further, the trial judge ruled "Kentucky’s ban on same sex marriage and on recognizing same sex unions from other states means the privilege does not apply," The Courier-Journal also reports.