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Partnership registry proposed

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Prophetic Warning | 12:51 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
To all who may be confused about this topic:

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. . . .

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

FAMILY ... Defined | 2:16 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
To whom it may concern...
Family - A group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head (household).
- A group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation.
- A group of persons of common ancestry (Clan); A people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock (Race)
- The basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their own or adopted children ; also: Any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family (a single-parent family)
Lets not try and redefine the meaning to your limited views, please.
One just has to look out into the reality of it all to find that limitations of any sort are a hinderance to the developement of any society, social structure or otherwise. Now, lets show our intellect a bit and move onwards to the future with compassion, love and understanding as the basis of it all. THANKS
Kevin L | 2:29 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Way to go Ralph I only wish I lived in Salt Lake City where they have A Mayor who really cares about everyone
Comments continue below
Mayhem Mike | 4:25 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
". . . an ordinance. . . giving legal recognition to gay couples and other unmarried unions."

Brigham Young would be ashamed and appalled at the man who leads Salt Lake City in his place.
just wondering | 4:50 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
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."

However, later in the article, the restrictions are noted, particularly: only one domestic partner. How about those people who have two or three? Shouldn't they have the same equality, dignity and respect? Or, is this about gays?
Enough is Enough | 5:19 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
To all those who would chose to use God as a weapon to force personal beliefs on others:

The Family IS ordained of God, however, Family is made up NOT ONLY by a man and woman but also any group of people who would believe in a higher power and commit love and support to one another without guise or deceit. Be it through legal marriage or committed union or bonded love of individuals. Man and woman, man and man, woman and woman, or single parent and their children.

No Prophetic voice has a power on the human race above the power of genuine and sincere love. Where love resides, there is no higher power present!

I commend our new Mayor for working to respect the beliefs of ALL people and not bow to a certain group who would pressure others to believe a certain way.

May we all learn from this great man and his strong example.
Anonymous | 6:42 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
JUst anothe small step by the GAy/Lesbian lobby to force the GAY agenda. Bestry the ACTUAL family and society falls apart.
Dave | 7:05 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
There's really no such thing as a "gay agenda" just a desire among gays and lesbians to be accepted and receive fair and equitable treatment for everyone, so I applaud Mayor Becker for his step in the right direction.
John Preston Creer | 7:23 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
oF ALL THE ISSUES FACING OUR CITY THAT ARE OF SIGNIFICANT IMPORTANCE, THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM. THIS IS A MEANINGLESS FAD IN OUR COUNTRY. mARRIAGE IS SACRED. wE CANNOT LEGISLATE MORALITY. iF IT IS WRONG WITHOUT THE MARRIAGE LICENSE, IT IS WRONG WITH ONE.
Too Bad | 7:37 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
I believe it is too bad that Salt Lake City's new mayor has proposed such an ordinance. It is another step towards validating the disintegration of the traditional family. However, I definitely believe everyone should be free to choose they way they live, and who they live with. And, I do not condone any hatred towards any individual, whether they be gay, lesbian, mormon, polygamist, etc. However, my question to those who do support the mayor in his registry ordinance is, why do you need the government to validate your already professed love for each other? Is it just the economic benefits you are seeking? Do you need society to treat you as equal with the heterosexual partners? Do you just need to be more accepted in society? Why do you need all the benefits of heterosexual marriage? These are sincere questions. I just do not understand why gay and lesbian couples want the same recognition or status of heterosexual couples when they decry the same.
Forbidden Doughnut | 7:41 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
"Brigham Young would be ashamed and appalled at the man who leads Salt Lake City in his place."

I think that ol' Brigham doesn't have a leg to stand on when it comes to defining what a good and healthy "family" structure is.
Kevin L | 7:47 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
M Creer and others you are so wrong this is a very important issue that deserves more attention. To completely discount a whole segment of america is just plain wrong no amount of god fear mongering will change it . Until you mr Creer and others take the time to truly understand what it is to be gay and told you are bad you can not talk logically about it I challenge any and all of you to sit down with someone gay and have a dialogue (not a preaching session) and try to understand them totally
Waterfallhiker | 7:50 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
It may be that in some religions family is ordained by God. But I'm a Christian, who has read the Bible daily for 50 years, and I don't find it taught in the Bible. Genesis 2 says it is not good for Adam (i.e. The Human) to live alone and decides to create another being "suitable" to help him. For a gay person this obviously would mean another gay person. The New Testament teaches that eveyone in the world is one family with Christ as our brother. Thanks be to God for the leadership of Mayor Becker. As a Christian citizen lobbyist I've seen him at work leading the Democratic caucus at the state legislature and was impressed then and am impressed now by his demeanor and honesty.
Rob | 7:53 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
To all of you who are against this, please stop making people that cannot change feel like they aren't normal and part of society. Being homosexual is not a choice, the only choice homosexuals make is to be themselves and be happy. The only way for you to understand that is to be a homosexual yourself. I suggest you read into the topic a little more by research with facts and not opinions based on someone's idea of what a family should be. The definition is clear, a family is people who live together towards a common goal. Why should it affect you in any way, anyways? Why does someone else being homosexual affect you in any way? No one ordained you to watch for the spiritual welfare of others. The physical attraction that homosexuals share is chemical. You can read about it on Gay.com if you wish, or several medical journals out of stanford school of medicine!
The Vote Continues | 7:58 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
I had hoped that I would be able to return to SLC in coordinating business events. Rocky was an embarrassment to the conservative basis I call home, and SLC had lost my coordinated business.

However, my personal boycott of SLC businesses continues. I do not support any government agenda to support historicallly non-traditional families. Thus the vote continues.

Somebody help me understand this: We can't pray in government meetings--which has been a tradition since the early days of this great nation...however we can support a decline in morality by supporting adultery?

Is this the direction we really CHOOSE to go?
End of Story | 8:12 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Homosexuality is a choice.

End of Story
RE: Rob | 8:13 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Please, do not even try to tell me that gays "have no choice". Yeah, serial born killers have no choice either right? That is just the way they are. Dude, everyone has a choice. I'm sure gay people feel an attraction to others, but whether they act on that choice is what matters. So please don't start with this "I don't have a choice in the mattter" stuff. And fyi, I have spent a lot of time around gay people. My best friend growing up is gay, but I still consider him one of my best friends.
Anonymous | 8:20 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
I can understand why allowing homosexuals to raise children would be damaging to those kids and society. However allowing them to marry would hurt my or any other marriage is a stretch. I say, be as accomidating as possible without allowing them to hurt or distort other people.

What I don't understand is why conservatives including the LDS church focuses on gay marriage but they say nothing about allowing homo-sexuals to adopt and raise children. This is straining at a knat and swallowing a camel.
Rob | 8:22 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
To RE: ROB, I being a homosexual myself, understand what you are saying. But you of all people should know, because you have a gay best friend that I have no sexual attraction to women, whatsoever. I have tried and I don't. I owe it to a woman to let her find a man that would truly love her and not be married to someone that is never sexually attracted to her ever! Those women deserve a man that is going to live a double life behind their back because they are sexually attracted to her, and believe me, there are many, many, married men that go to the gay clubs and other gay functions, unknown to their wives.
Anonymous | 8:26 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
So much of the problem in todays society is the lack of accountability. Homosexuality is a choice. It is important to look at the person individually but I believe that you are choosing your lifestyle and I also agree that it is a moral decline in todays society.
reasonable to say | 8:27 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
To be fair, Rob et al
If you decide any group of people who live together toward a common goal should be define as family (legally), you must accept the polygamists� families as well. If that isn't your type of family and you don't think it is a healthy lifestyle because it differs from your own ideals, you have removed your own argument to define �other� types of relationships.

I am not a polygamist.

I am not married to a polygamist.

I am not gay, but I have gay persons in my family AND I love them dearly and I do not try to change them.

In order to accept a person, one does not have to legalize or agree with everything they do.
still can't shop in SLC | 8:33 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
my economic boycott of SLC will continue. why can't SLC elect a moral mayor?
Kenny/Family | 8:34 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Since when was Webster ( Family...definition ) a better authority than God? Please inform me .
Kevin L | 8:37 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Its a matter of over 1000 rights that are given by the Federal government when some one marries not to mention the state rights.
If you think that its is a choice your wrong but that is not really pertinent.

why does our government deny a group of its citizen some (1000+) rights and deny them to others

and how dare you invalidate the love I feel for my partner what gives you the right to do that
Rob | 8:40 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
I don't accept polygamy. This bill isn't for polygamists. Polygamy is between several partners, although several Utahns believe that "Us Gays" have several sexual partners at one time, we don't! Polygamy is a way for a pedophile to have several sexual partners and be married to several different usually young people at a time. I don't condone Polygamy in any way, and it's not an alternative lifestyle, it's illegal. Being homosexual isn't!
Mary | 8:53 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
This is an awesome step for the state of utah, me being a LDS mother of a homosexual daughter condone this bill and support it full steam!
Anonymous | 8:54 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
I'm just curious...what happens when a domestic partnership breaks up? Do they have to file another form to relinquish the benefits and rights this registry gives them? I realize that many marriages end as well, but in my experience (in LA, not SL) domestic partnerships tend to be less stable than marriages. Does anyone know?
Anonymous | 9:00 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
To: Rob | 8:40 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Actually, it is illegal to sodomize in Utah. Adultery is also illegal.
FYI
Not all polygamists have under age partners. That comment is as bad as people saying, all gays are not monogamist.
Shame on you for your hypocrisy and bigotry!
Mark | 9:01 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
I am very glad that our state gov. is finally acknowledging the rights of all citizens. I am a proud LDS parent of my gay son! And am very proud of him and our new mayor!
disgusted | 9:01 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Great, another Rocky in office. Makes me want to puke. I'm not from Utah nor am I mormon, I just can't stand the leftist "we should be able to do whatever we want" in the name of equality and freedom attitude. I'm attracted to and want to sleep with my neighbor's wife. In fact, I'd say I was born with that desire, doesn't mean I should or ever would act on that feeling. "Not a choice"... give me a break.
AC/DC PC | 9:08 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Call in the Sierra Club, there must be a lack of oxygen in the air in the mayor's office. Prolonged exposure seems to turn men goofy. That's two straight, or, er, well, I mean, in a row.

The mayor's proposal would seem to indicate a, not so hidden, PC agenda.

Next up, "Trans-gendered Native American Veterans' Low-income housing." These unfortunate people need our help.
Heidi | 9:13 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Reading some of the hatred and narrow-mindedness that is apparent in the comments on this article really scares me. I love Utah, I have grown up here, gone to school here, worked here, loved here...I just thank God that there is a safe haven from the extremists in Salt Lake City...truly an oasis in "Zion".
jackhp | 9:18 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
The majority of comments here are pathetic: "Rocky this" and "Rocky that". Are you people really this dumb?

To "End of Story" who says, "Homosexuality is a choice," who cares? If that's the case it's just as much a choice to be heterosexual so what's the difference? Either way, choice or not, you're still discriminating based on YOUR personal moral and religious convictions.

To "Anonymous" who says, "I can understand how allowing homosexuals to raise children would be damaging to those kids and society," puhleeeze! What a bunch of tired, unsubstantiated nonsense! (I'd say something to do with bovine excrement, but I'm sure the censors wouldn't like that. ;) )
glad i dont live in SLC | 9:23 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
welcome san francisco values to the streets of salt lake city. never forget salt lake you get what you paid for. if you thought a different democrat was going to be any different than the last democrat you got hoodwinked. i am glad i dont live in salt lake city. the number one problem in your city apparently is domestic partnerships and not balancing the budget, improving services, or even solving the dispute between the city council and the county council. i wonder salt lake residents did your new mayor even have a position on domestic partnerships? did he make his views known? was he even asked? looks like ROcky II
Darin M | 9:23 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Becker is to be commended for his courageous stance on this issue, choosing the moral high ground in the face of so much bigotted opposition.

To those of you who profess to speak for God and profess to live by His laws, almost everyone agrees there is no higher law than love - as in "Love" thy neighbor. It is petty and silly to get wrapped up in another "law" that attempts to narrow the definition love and/or neighbor.

To those of you who claim this means the disintegration of the family, this is completely unfounded. Let go of your fear. Embrace those who so much want to endorse the institutions of marriage and family by being included!

To those of you who claim gay people can change their sexual orientation, have you ever asked yourself where your won sexual orientation came from and whether you could change it?

I applaud the mayor for this step in the right direction. Perhaps one day - when the family is still going strong and we have lost our fear of this - everyone will have the right to marry the person of his/her choice and be recognized as equal under law.
Wilkey | 9:32 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
I supported and voted for Amendment 3, but I also support the idea of a domestic registry/civil unions/whatever you want to call them.

But I think it's a mistake on Becker's part to bring the issue up so soon, and without having any real accomplishments as mayor under his belt - accomplishments that will be viewed as accomplishments by all his contsituents. Instead he's raising a divisive issue in an effort to placate a major segment of his voting base, and he's doing it right before a state legislative session - at a time when Sandy may be seeking state support for a new Broadway theatre. This only raises the odds that the (sometimes) conservative legislature will give SLC the shaft and Sandy a new theatre.

As a Sandy resident I find that possibility hopeful, actually, and couldn't really care less what Becker does. Becker ain't my mayor, but having seen his victory speech and now this I am less than impressed. Becker is ye another SLC mayor with no political future in the state and with no diplomatic skills to speak of.
ENOUGH!!!! | 9:45 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Every time we see some story where gays are given a fraction of equality I read on and on about how it is the end of the "Traditional Family". I challenge any one of you to give me proof that treating gays as equals has done any harm! Show me one example of where gay equality has resulted in the decline of the family. Even your precious Mitt agreed to Gay marriages in his state when he was governor, then changed his mind when it was needed to run for the White House. Did his state suddenly disappear? Did God Smite the people? What about all the countries around the world who treat gays as equals, have they been sticken off the face of the earth?? It's time you narrow minded sheeple put up some REAL proof that the Boogey man exists. As yet, I'm seeing nothing more than closed, empty minds at work. Any takers????
swift | 9:45 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Although I strongly disagree with this proposal, and all gay agendas, I'm not going to judge Becker on this alone. I'm sure he's going to do some good things down the road and I'll make a judgement then. He's got to be better than Rocky.
God's Input on this Topic | 9:58 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
I reiterate:

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. . . .

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
Parents of Gay Children | 10:00 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Should I lobby to legalize crack for my drug addicted son? I may love my son, but I cannot condone his offenses before God.

Love your gay child, let them live their aberant life if you have to, but you do them no service to support laws in direct contravention to the laws of God. Please open your eyes.
enter name | 10:04 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Mr Creer:

Marriage is a legal matter, IT IS NOT SACRED!! You can get married anywhere in this country with a license from the state. The religious ceremony is optional. You CANNOT get married with religious permission only. True, a good many people opt for the religious ceremony, but it is not required. Religious fanatics that insist "My way is the only way" really give me a pain.

PS. Learn to work your shift key.
Beth | 10:18 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
I live in Madison WI, and a year and a half ago Wisconsin passed a constitutional amendment establishing marriage as between a man and a woman and banning all other types of unions that would be weighted equal to marriage. One of the big arguments by amendment opponents was that the amendment was harmful to heterosexual couples who did not want to marry. I don't support gay marriage but I REALLY don't support heterosexual domestic partnerships.

Either these couples don't want to commit to each other that much or they are opposed to marriage because they are trying to stick it to traditionalists like me. I say, if marriage is too big of a commitment for you two, then healthcare and legal benefits are too big of a commitment for your employer to make to you and your partner. This program might be acceptable for gays who want to get married and legally can't, but it absolutely should not be applied to heterosexual couples who can and won't.
Here we go | 10:20 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
The mayoral desk isn't even cluttered yet, and this is the first initiatve Becker takes on? Why? Get your priorities straight Becker...pun intended.

The call by the Prophet and Apostles to officers of government everywhere to promote the measures designed to strengthen and maintain the family as the fundamental unit of society is the first thing Becker ignored and it's a slap in the face to the majority of the state. His mayoral term is already off to a Rocky start (again, pun intended) for those of us that are interested in conserving values.

As the disintegration of the family continues, calamities will befall our community. It's true whether you believe it or not.
duplicity already | 10:23 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
The reason the left has little credibility is because they often promote themselves as the voice of tolerace, while simultaneouly exhibiting worse intolerance than the right. Polygamy has far greater social, biolgical, religious, and historical precedent than gay marriage. It is hypocritical to promote gay partnerships over polygamy. Traditional family advocates are far more honest in their one man/woman argument than those who think they are enlightened because they support alternatve lifestyles; but only those alternatives that they personally condone. Arguing that all polygamists abuse girls is just as hateful as saying all homosexuals are pedophiles. It is disappointing the new mayor is already squandering his good will merely to accomodate hypocrites who provide campaign funding. I had hoped duplicitous political payback would not be the norm for this new administration. Obviously I was wrong.
Anonymous | 10:24 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
"why does our government deny a group of its citizen some (1000+) rights and deny them to others"

There is no requirement for the government to acknowledge any relationship at all. The government chooses to recognize SOME relationships because those relationships tend to lead to certain things - in the case of men and women, to children.

Children are a burden for the first 18 years or so of their lives and the government feels a need to see that they are provided for. There is no reason to provide for children in relationships that don't result in their CREATION.

So this is not a question of "equal rights." It's a question of the government requiring and/or encourgaing for the provision of children. For gays to demand equal rights for responsibilities they don't have is just plain silly.

I believe gays and lesbians should have some rights that go with marriage because humans are by nature social animals and want to spend their lives with a significant other. But to give them all of those rights is unjustified, and maybe just plain unjust.
Kevin L | 10:29 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
one correction to anonymous granted there is a sodomy law on the books in Utah still the supreme court a number of years ago struck down sodomy laws so in essence the law is unenforceable

do you think that maybe the people of salt lake keep electing mayors that care about people because they do too too bad the rest of the state does not
Glen | 10:37 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Caulk another one up for the ACLU. We continue on a downward spiral in taking away the morality of our society. This will continue until we stand up and say NO MORE.
In memory of our God, our Country, our Families, our Wife's and our Children.
get used to it! | 10:37 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
Guess what, people- SLC is getting more and more liberal, and next up is the rest of Utah. The history of SLC and Utah is mirroring the history of Boston and Mass. Someday Utah will be one of the most liberal states in the country, that happens when a group feels oppressed. I'll just sit back and watch. And another thing I've always wanted to say: if you don't like it, you can leave
BAD ARGUMENTS | 10:51 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
1. If we allow domestic partnership, then why not multiple partners, or people marry animals. SLIPPERY SLOPE arguments are weak and can be used on both sides.

2. It is not fair that my tax dollars are going to pay for domestic partners benefits. It is not fair that there tax money is paying benefits for your spouse, your kids, or your kids schools. Unfortunately, we don't get to choose how our tax money is spent
3. People choose to be gay, so they should live with that choice. Nature shows otherwise. There are multiple species of animals that have "gay" animals. Animals aren't cognizant of right or wrong, so obviously they were born that way.

4. Being gay is mental defect. This is a good one. If it is a mental defect, it cannot be the persons fault. For example, if you buy a toy that is broken, it isn't the toys fault it is the toy makers fault. If is person is born with a defect it isn't the person fault, but the makers fault. I thought the maker didn't have faults?
Finally!! | 10:54 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008
An elected official who does what he says he will do. Too bad he's not running for the White House.

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