Gibbons vetoes domestic partnership bill

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CARSON CITY (AP) " Gov. Jim Gibbons has vetoed a law that would give domestic partners, whether gay or straight, many of the rights and benefits that Nevada offers to married couples.

In a statement Monday, Gibbons said Senate Bill 283 conflicts with a constitutional amendment approved by Nevada voters in 2002 supporting marriage between a man and a woman.

He says only the voters should be able to amend or undo provisions of the constitution.

Gibbons says domestic partners can also sign private contracts to accomplish many of the goals of the law.

It wasn't immediately clear if the Legislature would seek to override Gibbons' veto.

The measure would prohibit discrimination against domestic partners, and give them the same community property and debt rights as married couples.