Lawrence, Kan.,
gets domestic registry—in name only

Beginning Wednesday, at least 40 couples were expected to register as domestic partners in Lawrence, the first city in Kansas to offer such a title. The registration, however, bears no legality in the eyes of the state.

"On the online registry, we ask them to acknowledge that this creates no legal rights for them other than they will be in the city registry as domestic partners," city clerk Frank Reeb told the Associated Press.

Two years ago Kansas residents voted to prohibit same-sex marriage, nullifying any rights that a domestic partnership might confer. This does not prevent private businesses from providing their employees' access to health insurance and other benefits, however.

The city commission approved the registry in June. Registration costs $75 per couple, estimated to be the highest such fee in the nation--the average registration fee is between $25 and $35. (The Advocate)