Becker's first step: Domestic partners

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_7941081

Gay couples applaud voluntary registry proposed by new mayor
By Derek P. Jensen
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 01/11/2008 10:33:03 AM MST

Ralph Becker's first official action as mayor could bring a first to Utah - a citywide registry of domestic partners, including same-sex couples.

The novel move - fulfilling a priority campaign promise for Salt Lake City's new CEO - is designed to aid employers vacillating over whether to provide insurance benefits for cohabitants and other domestic partners.

Becker's proposed ordinance, unveiled Thursday, bucks the politics in conservative Utah - a state that rewrote its constitution in 2004 to ban gay marriage.

"It's a great step as we inch our way toward progress," said Mark Hofeling, a downtown resident who has been with his boyfriend, Jesse, nearly 10 years and, until now, resorted to power of attorney to validate their relationship in legal and health matters. "If this would give us more security, we would probably be inclined to do it."

The registry, likely to win the support of the City Council in Utah's left-leaning capital, would serve as a catalog of adult residents - gay or otherwise - who can voluntarily add their names as long as they provide proof that they cohabit and rely on one another as dependents.

Becker argues the mechanism would save businesses time and money and create a way for the city to recognize relationships of mutual support, caring and commitment.


Partners Danielle Hawkes, left, and Jordan Rullo say Thursday they are excited about the opportunities Mayor Ralph Becker's new domestic- partner registry presents. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune )

FULL story at link.

[dsc]

1. unbelieveable

I don't know how Salt Lake City became that liberal but I am glad it did.

[Hellenic_Pagan]

2. Wow!

That really suprises me. I thought Salt Lake city was as bad as BYU - I had a friend who got kicked out of BYU for wearing shorts and holding hands with her g/f. I think its a good sign that they are becoming more accepting.

[xchrom]

3. the times they are a changin -- wow -- salt lake city.

[moose65]

8. Large cities are more liberal

Doesn't matter where they are located. The larger cities in Idaho, Texas, etc. are much, much bluer than the surrounding countryside. Salt Lake City even has <gasp> GAY BARS!!

[xchrom]

9. yeah -- i realize -- i've been to utah a few times.

[Wcross]

4. Wow. People WANT to get on a government registry???????

I guess it would be handy to have a "list" if you are the government. Is there a comparable "registry" of legally married couples? Is there a "registry" of single people? Being on a registry is a far cry from having the same rights as married people. Why would the government need a registry? What good would it do? More important, could they use it against you?

Don't fall for it.

[dsc]

5. yes there is a registry of married couples

it would be the list of people who got a marriage licence, which is indeed kept by the government.

[Wcross]

6. They have legal rights due to being married in that county.

What rights would be conferred upon those that sign up for the domestic partnership registry?

[dsc]

10. only those granted by private companies, sadly

For some though, it could be life saving. Medical insurance and family leave stand out in that regard.

[LostinVA]

7. NJ started with a registry for Domestic Partners

It gave a very limited set of rights (and it was limited to just same-sex couples). Now we have civil unions, and soon we'll have marriage.

It's not the best, but it's a step forward.