CLEVELAND COUNCIL MAY CREATE DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRY
OIA Newswire

CLEVELAND -- Several Cleveland City Council members want to create a domestic partner registry for same- and opposite-sex couples who seek privileges reserved for the married.

The registry would cultivate a gay-friendly image for Cleveland and boost revenue.

The registry would be nonbinding, meaning employers and other organizations would not be forced to extend health care benefits to unwed couples or allow visits with a hospitalized partner. But supporters of the plan hope it might encourage groups and businesses to allow such rights.

Councilman Joe Cimperman, a sponsor of the idea, said a registry would help Cleveland as it bids to host the 2014 Gay Games, a sporting event with a global audience. In addition, fees paid by those who register could pour some much-needed cash into city coffers.

"We are trying to show that we are a serious city when it comes to tolerance," said Cimperman, who with other colleagues is expected to introduce legislation next week.

Cleveland Heights voters adopted a similar law in 2003. The registry sparked controversy when Councilman Jimmie Hicks Jr., backed by a national Christian group that opposed gay marriage, sued to overturn the vote. Hicks lost his court battle and, ultimately, his seat.

Toledo City Council approved Ohio's only other registry in 2007. Across the country, more than three dozen municipalities and counties have one, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an organization focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues.

Passage in Cleveland would come at a time when such groups are struggling to obtain rights nationwide. Last week, California voters outlawed gay-marriage. Four years ago, Ohioans approved a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions.

Sue Doerfer, executive director of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland, noted that honoring the registry is voluntary. But she said domestic partners would be able to seek rights and benefits with a sense of legitimacy.

"It sends out a message that Cleveland is welcome to them," Doerfer said.

According to a draft of the legislation provided by Cimperman, couples would have to share a common residence and file a declaration "that they have an intimate relationship and share responsibility for each other's common welfare." Both would have to be at least 18 years old, and neither could be married to someone else or be in an domestic partnership with another.

Couples would not have to reside in Cleveland, but those who don't probably would pay a higher fee. Costs have not been determined, Cimperman said, but one possibility has residents paying $75 to register, nonresidents $85.

Mayor Frank Jackson "supports the concept," said Andrea Taylor, his press secretary. "We need to do a thorough review of the legislation," she said.

Councilman Robert White is in favor of the registry, but said the issue could be a tough sell with colleagues, some of whom might be worried about reaction from constituents.

"I think people might need a little more time to understand this," White said.

In Cleveland Heights, the registry has been a success, officials say. About 200 couples have registered, with some mailing in from California, New York and Pennsylvania. The cost is $50 for residents, $65 for nonresidents.

"Doing something like this helps us embrace our diversity," Mayor Ed Kelley said. "People are really appreciative of it. I'm proud we did this." Full Story. [11/13/08]