William & Mary Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice
Article Title
California's Domestic Partnership Law: Incremental Progress or Dramatic Social Change?
Abstract
Effective January 1, 2005, the California Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act of 2003 (CDPRRA) replaced the Domestic Partnership Act of 1999, vesting registered domestic partners with new rights and a court termination procedure similar to divorce. Does the new statute legalize gay marriage? Are domestic partners eligible for spousal support? Are the registration and termination procedures voluntary? Does the Unruh Civil Rights Act now require businesses and private organizations to include gay members? The article reviews the new law and analyzes how three recent court decisions resolve these controversial issues.