CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2023 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
Scroll To Top
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The nation's first ballot-box recognition of gay and straight unmarried partners shows that people will support direct appeals to treat gays fairly, backers of a domestic-partner registry in suburban Cleveland Heights, Ohio, said. "We didn't do yard signs; we didn't do TV ads. We went out and talked to our neighbors," David Caldwell said after Tuesday's vote, which approved a city-run domestic-partner registry, 55% to 45%. With all precincts in Cleveland Heights reporting in unofficial returns, the vote was 7,600 in favor of the registry and 6,290 opposed. The registry will allow unmarried couples to obtain a certificate from the city stating that they are domestic partners. "It's an affirmation that Cleveland Heights is the kind of community that welcomes everyone," said Caldwell, a spokesman for the pro-registry Heights for Families group. Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, called the vote a historic victory. "It demonstrates when we have face-to-face conversations with Americans, they will vote for basic fairness for gay people," he said. Cleveland Heights councilman Jimmy Hicks Jr., a minister and leading opponent of the registry, said he was disappointed by the vote. "We have a registry that legitimizes a lifestyle," he said. "I don't believe it's the role of municipal government to legitimize a lifestyle, but I guess the people have said I'm wrong." Recognition would not be binding on courts, governments, or private companies. Supporters hope it will make it easier for couples to share employment benefits, inherit property, and obtain hospital visitation rights. Domestic registries have been created by municipal councils or state legislatures elsewhere but not through a ballot issue, according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a Washington, D.C.-based civil rights group that tracks such issues in every state. The city council in Cleveland Heights, a community of 50,000, unanimously approved putting the registry question on the ballot. Last year it adopted Ohio's first municipal ordinance giving health benefits to same-sex partners of city employees.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Lauren Boebert Caught Fondling Date’s Genitals During Family-Friendly Musical: Video
September 15 2023 11:20 PM
Watch Now: Advocate Channel
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Latest Stories
Michael Knowles, the Conservative ‘Daily Wire’ Pundit, Claims PornHub Makes You Gay or Trans
December 07 2023 5:41 PM
What to Stream This Month: 24 LGBTQ+ Movies & TV Shows & Where To Watch Them
December 07 2023 5:32 PM
Lady Bunny Bashes Republicans for Drag Bans, But Says Democrats Aren't Innocent Either
December 07 2023 5:24 PM
Another Man Is Charged in Torturing and Brutally Murdering an Arizona Gay Man
December 07 2023 4:15 PM
Pennsylvania School District Quickly Reverses Far-Right Policies Under Democratic Control
December 07 2023 1:37 PM
May December’s Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman on Playing Transgressive Women
December 07 2023 10:51 AM
Carla Smith Looks to Continue Life of Service as CEO of New York LGBT Community Center
December 07 2023 10:20 AM
Police Questioned a Prime Suspect in a Utah Gay Man’s Murder. Why Is the Case Still Cold?
December 07 2023 10:00 AM
Man Fatally Shot Transgender Women in the Head Moments After Sex Act, Police Say
December 07 2023 8:40 AM