Becker calls for new domestic partnership registry

Ralph Becker's "180-Day Action Plan" is under way.

In just his third full day as Salt Lake City mayor, Becker followed through on a campaign promise today by submitting to the City Council an ordinance to create a citywide domestic-partnership registry, giving legal recognition to gay couples and other unmarried unions.

"This registry creates a way for Salt Lake City to recognize relationships of mutual support, caring and commitment," Becker said. "This is an opportunity for us to provide all of Salt Lake City's residents the same level of equality, dignity and respect."

According to the ordinance, qualifying partners will receive a certificate from City Hall attesting to their domestic-partner status, which can be used to assist employers in determining the domestic status of individuals applying for health-care or other benefits.

The ordinance also would extend visitation rights to registered individuals when a domestic partner is being treated at a health-care facility located in Salt Lake City. It also would help ensure that all domestic partners have fair access to the rights and privileges at facilities owned and operated by the city, such as recreational facilities.

The ordinance will be reviewed and ultimately voted upon by the Salt Lake City Council.

The voluntary domestic partnership registry would be administered by the city recorder's office. Those applying would obtain a Declaration of Domestic Partnership form from the city. The form would be signed by both partners and notarized and kept on file at the city recorder's office.

In order to qualify for domestic-partner status, individuals would be need to be in a relationship of mutual support, caring and commitment, and be responsible for each other's welfare. In addition, registrants would have to be each other's sole domestic partner, over 18 years old, competent to contract and share a primary residence in Salt Lake City.

According to the mayor's office, the city has legal authority to create a domestic partnership registry under the general welfare clause of Utah code, which grants the city the power to "preserve the health and promote the prosperity, improve the morals, peace and good order, comfort and convenience of the city and its inhabitants."

The mayor's office also contends that the ordinance does not conflict with the state statute defining marriage.

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