Council to Consider Domestic Partner Issue
- Share via
An ordinance allowing unmarried couples to register as domestic partners--which triggered angry debate, anti-gay rhetoric and demonstrations in Long Beach last year--will be back before the City Council today.
The council deferred action on the issue last summer when clergy and others expressed heated opposition to the measure, which they contended would be an endorsement of homosexuality and undermine traditional marriages. Councilman Jerry Shultz attacked homosexual partnerships, saying they were immoral.
Supporters argue that they are only seeking rights provided by many other cities. It would be a step toward recognition of same-sex relationships, but would also help senior citizens and the disabled who live together but don’t marry because they would lose benefits, supporters say.
The ordinance would require couples registering as partners to pay a $100 filing fee. Anyone legally married to someone else would not be eligible.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
