Domestic partner registry opponents' words could block their challenge

Conservatives seeking to strike down the state's same-sex domestic partner benefits registry could face an unlikely obstacle if their case moves forward, legal experts said: their own words.

The lawsuit by Wisconsin Family Action contends a 2006 state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions prohibits the benefits registry.

But in 2006, members of the group and other supporters of the constitutional ban said the measure would not affect domestic partner benefits, according to public statements reported in the media and on their Web sites.