S.L. City Council vote changes name of domestic partner registry

The Salt Lake City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to change the name of its domestic partner registry to "Mutual Commitment Registry."

The name change was accompanied by the adoption of a human rights title into city code. However, Tuesday's action did not fundamentally change the registry, said City Council Member Carlton Christensen.

The name change was mandated by a law passed in the 2008 legislature that said having a "domestic partnership registry" violated the third amendment to Utah's constitution, which defines marriage.

Before voting, several council members thanked Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker for introducing the registry to the council and fighting state leaders for its approval. The bill was lauded as a step forward in providing healthcare and the mayor was asked to continue work in the field of human rights.