From Deseret News archives:
Buttars aims to block domestic partner registry
The bill, SB267, was introduced with a title but no text as "Municipal Authority Amendments," and Buttars says the text will be released soon.
"They want us to write them a blank check," Buttars said. "How brazen they are is unbelievable."
Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker proposed a citywide domestic partner registry to provide a means of legal recognition for gay couples and other unmarried unions. It would allow qualifying couples to receive certificates from City Hall attesting to their domestic partner status, which would help employers determine the status of those applying for benefits.
City Council Chairwoman Jill Remington Love said she hoped lawmakers would leave it up to cities to decide on such proposals. Love added that the proposed ordinance was carefully crafted, and the city's attorneys say it doesn't violate the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and other domestic unions.
Buttars said the bill does violate the letter and spirit of both the state's constitutional amendment and state code limiting marriage to a man and a woman. Still, he says, his bill will "make it so clear there is no way to misinterpret it."
Becker deferred comment on SB267 until he could see the text or speak with Buttars, said Helen Langan, the mayor's spokeswoman.
A public hearing before the City Council is scheduled today on the proposed registry. In order to qualify, a couple over 18 years old would have to be in a relationship of mutual support, caring and commitment. The city in 2006 approved extending health benefits to adult partners, siblings, long-term roommates and parents of city employees.
E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com
Recent comments
We are in the middle of a health care crisis. This bill would help a...
tracy | Feb. 19, 2008 at 10:46 a.m.
Setting aside all my thoughts on state-regulated marriage and the...
Melanie | Feb. 7, 2008 at 11:17 a.m.
Dang democrats always trying to stop discrimination. I enjoy my gay...
Buttars Stud | Feb. 6, 2008 at 2:40 a.m.
- Study says hoops refs are biased 1:13 p.m.
- Sanford faces 37 ethics charges 1:03 p.m.
- Woman killed in fall identified 1:00 p.m.
- October sales gains lift hopes 12:58 p.m.
- Home and garden news and notes 12:58 p.m.
- Ungrateful teen in your house? 12:54 p.m.
- Every Mon. Matters: Be neighborly 12:52 p.m.
- New offerings from past winners 12:50 p.m.
- Make a pilgrim to celebrate season 12:46 p.m.
- Mauer is American League MVP 12:38 p.m.
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
212 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
205 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
178 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - BYU records with win
132 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
129 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
102 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
A survey by Accountemps says that this year, fewer people plan to shop...
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
If you are going back 8 years then the record is the Utes winning five out of...
It's people like you that give BYU a bad name. Do you realize that BYU is...
I love the very first comment on this article: "They are gonna lose and...
Think about it | 11:40 a.m. Nov. 23, 2009 What tax is considered to be...
I'm amazed that you lefties can say that Palin is unqualified. How about the...
Fitting that these two are players of the week...they'll hook up numerous...
If I were a BYU fan I would be "really" hoping for a win this year...
Boise State, especially Kellen Moore, is so overrated it's ridiculous. Top...
you be MVP if you didn't play the whole season?
A little bird told me the parade will be on Tuesday the 24th (tomorrow) at...

