From Deseret News archives:
Salt Lake's domestic partner registry appears safe
By late Wednesday the registry appeared safe, though it likely will require a name change.
The minor changes required by SB299, which received final approval Wednesday, are small compared with an earlier bill that would have stymied the registry. That bill was held by the Senate amid political woes of its sponsor, Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan. And in the late hours of the session, an attempt in the House to derail the registry failed.
In a 61-9 vote, the House approved SB299, which is aimed at setting guidelines for cities that opt to provide benefits to unmarried couples, without violating Amendment 3, Utah's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and substantially similar civil unions.
SB299 now moves to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. for final approval, which spokeswoman Lisa Roskelley said is likely. If signed into law, the bill would allow local registries based on financial dependence or interdependence, and allow local governments to offer employee benefits using the same standards. However, it would prevent cities from setting up domestic partnerships or civil unions.
As approved, and according to intent language, the bill would allow Salt Lake City to keep its registry, which gives employers who choose to offer domestic partner benefits an easy way to recognize those relationships. It also provides for hospital visitation. The city also provides benefits to adult designees of unmarried city employees.
"I'm very pleased that the Legislature has accepted Salt Lake City's policy and basically authorized us to have a registry," said Mayor Ralph Becker, who proposed the registry during his first week in office. "I realize we're going to need to go back and change the name of the registry. We'll do that and move forward with what I think will be an important and beneficial effort for our community."
Becker called the Legislature's prohibition of the term "domestic partnerships" odd, because it's commonly used and recognized by states and cities throughout the nation, as well in the insurance industry.
"I am much more focused on the substance of what we're doing here," Becker said. "I expect we'll be able to work within the context of a different name."
Comments
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime 1:11 a.m.
- UVU beats SUU; USU wins big 12:57 a.m.
- BYU spikers end season with a loss 12:55 a.m.
- Iverson may be headed to 76ers 12:34 a.m.
- Credit Coug defense for win 12:33 a.m.
- Aggies blow away T-birds 12:32 a.m.
- Mo steals show in Cavaliers' victory 12:31 a.m.
- Editorial: Facilitate Big Brother? 12:22 a.m.
- Mom befriends wife of PTSD vet 12:21 a.m.
- Political clash over U.S. debt 12:21 a.m.
- Cave to be sealed with body inside
- Predicting the unpredictable: BYU wins
- Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- BYU football: 5 keys to victory
- Glover gives Utes last-second upset
- Cougars turn back Wildcats'
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Running game key to BYU offense
- Woods, wife unavailable for interview
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
395 - Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
143 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
115 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
115 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
113 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
88 - Hall's legacy measured today
75 - Y. focused on 10-win season
73 - Letters: C02 causes warming
70
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
I could care less that Max Hall said what he did. The feeling is mutual BYU...
You're right Dick, all those wide open Utah receivers not catching overthrown...
Yes, this is a potentially dangerous trail. However, I have been to the top...
Yes, marriage varies widely over place and time. We humans have defined...
Gee, thanks Max. I hope you feel better now.
The game changed when Wynn got rocked by Pendleton! 6-6 passing before the...
Number 2 play on Sportcenter Top Ten baby! Did you hear the anchor call the...
I can sympathize with max for being upset with what happened to his family...
There is one significant difference between Nutty Putty and the other...
Number 2 play on SC Top 10 baby! And the SC anchor called it "the holy war!"



You can be the first to comment on this story.