The Cleveland
city council is considering a domestic-partnership registry
for cohabitating same- and opposite-sex couples,
according to Cleveland.com.
The registry
would be less practical and more symbolic. Employers and
other organizations would not be forced to extend health
care benefits to unwed couples or allow hospital
visits to partners; instead, backers hope the registry
would encourage businesses and hospitals to allow such
rights.
Cleveland --
Ohio's second largest city -- is being considered for
the 2014 Gay Games, and councilman Joe Cimperman believes
the registry would help the city's bid for the event.
"We are trying to
show that we are a serious city when it comes to
tolerance," Cimperman told Cleveland.com.
To be eligible
for the registry, couples would have to share a residence
and file a declaration "that they have an intimate
relationship and share responsibility for each other's
common welfare." Couples would not have to reside in
Cleveland, but those who don't probably would pay a
higher fee. Costs have yet to be determined, but it's
estimated residents would pay $75 and nonresidents
$85.
The press
secretary for Cleveland's Democratic mayor, Frank Jackson,
indicated Jackson "supports the concept."
Legislation to
formally create the registry is expected to be
introduced next week. (Neal Broverman, The
Advocate)
