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Partner registry under fire

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SLC'er | 2:03 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
The Legislature is going to have a field day with this one. If any policy doesn't benefit white, straight, LDS residents, then it is simply eliminated by the State Government.
MattC | 4:51 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
I think that anyone who thinks there is a grand conspiracy to undermine marriage should do some praying and serious thinking.

As far as I've been able to determine, granting "rights" such as these does not, in any way, cause straight folks to question their own sexuality and then lessen their desire to marry and have children.

It was about 8 years ago when the whole "Gay Marriage" issue was used by President Bush to court the Evangelical Right in order to get elected ... to great advantage. Well we got him, thanks to this one issue. Anyone here remember "The Law Of The Harvest" ... as ye sow, so shall you reap .etc. ??

What wonderful things have happened to this country thanks to that election and the Righteous Right. Come to think of it, isn't this the same electorate that just treated Mitt and the entire LDS religion with such Love, and understanding.??

Intolerance and veiled bigotry are simply hatred whatever the "reason" ... this marriage conspiracy issue is exactly that.

Mattc



Good! | 6:02 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
What the "Domestic Partners" do in the privacy of their own home is their business, but I shouldn't have to pay taxes to fund their lifestyle. Having to pay to treat all of those STDs will really hike the rates.
Comments continue below
Kevin | 6:38 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Good why should I have to pay taxes f to you and your wife SAME THING

why does this issue bring out so much hate
Kevin in Texas | 6:42 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
I oppose any measure that seeks to give the benefits of being married to unmarried people. If they want those bennefits they should get married.
Raul | 7:03 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
I think the "gay agenda" is being battled whatever that is. did not even know there was one
Clark Roger | 7:04 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Having read through Mayor Becker's proposal, I fail to see how it in anyway undermine's the definition of marriage. It's more or less the same as a company offering health benefits to a domestic partner, whether that person is straight or gay.

Whenever I hear the word "conspiracy" I can't help but raise an eyebrow. After the whole fisasco involving the 10 Commandments, and how removing them from a state courthouse was somehow the same as banning religion all together, I can't help but wonder if some of my fellow Americans are again trying to make a mountain out of a molehill.

Now for those of you who are prone to Mormon bashing, please keep one thing in mind. This article states the ENTIRE Salt Lake City Council voted in favor of Mayor Becker's registery, including those of the city council members who are LDS.
DeLaval Milker | 7:08 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Let's see..divorce, infidelity, cohabitation. None of these are perceived as a threat to undermine marriage. But now bring this benefits registry into play and suddenly there's a conspiracy.
This is religious pandering, through and through.
SLC Resident | 7:20 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Take a good look at that nasty, hatefilled face of Buttar's. Mom was right--ugly is as ugly does.
Gimme a break, people... | 7:27 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Stop trying to pretend that Ralphie Becker's Domestic Partner Registry is anything other than exactly what it is: a sneaky attempt to undermine the Utah Constitution, and Amendment 3.

Salt Lake City is still part of the state of Utah. Most of the rest of us are no more thrilled about that than those of you who live there. But until you can find a way to move a city--you're going to have to abide by the laws and constitution of the State.

Give it up. You can be as gay as you want. Just don't ask the rest of us to fund it.
lifer | 7:29 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
"Good":

If you live in SLC (which is doubtful), then talk to your council member!!

The bigoted idiots who run the legislature should NOT be meddling in a municipality's personnel policies.

Why for crying out loud can't the legislature come up with something to make Utah a BETTER place instead of a more narrowminded hateful and inhumane place??

Get off the backs of immigrants and people who are gay and try passing a law that makes some sense for a change. Or better yet: Just Go Home!!!!
Buttars | 7:39 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Until Chris Buttars and the Eagle Forum morons can prove they're living perfect unblemished lives, perhaps they should keep their noses out of other people's business.
fr1nk | 7:52 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Is butters the best that West Jordan can come up with? This guy is a dinosaur. Get rid of him and anyone who stands with him.
not me | 7:52 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
much is made in the article about the relationship having to be sexual in nature to meet the definition of marriage. Unfortunately, there are many sexless marriages, so that argument is invalid.
Abish | 7:47 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Anything that might undermine the sacred vows of marriage between a husband and a wife should not be passed. If "partner" are not willing to commit to marriage it is their own choosing. If gay couples want to live together without the benefits, it is their choice but I don't see why everybody has to change the core believes only to satisfy some special groups popping up everywhere. I hope it gets overruled.
Mike | 7:54 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Here is the text of the bill:

"A municipal legislative body may not create or maintain a registry or other means to define, identify, or recognize a domestic partnership, civil union, or other domestic relationship other than marriage for any purpose, including:
(A) establishing, recognizing, or administering a right of use and access to a public building or facility;
(B) granting a right to health care visitation; and
(C) granting any other right or benefit.
(ii) An ordinance, resolution, rule, regulation, or other action of a municipal legislative body in violation of Subsection (1)(b)(i) is void.

(2) The municipal legislative body may enforce obedience to the ordinances with fines or penalties in accordance with Section 10-3-703."

The most important legislation that could ever be passed is legislation to protect and sustain the most fundamental unit of society - the family. Those who seek to destroy marriage by redefining it to include same-sex unions are destroying the family. Any legislation that permits marriage to be perverted destroys the family.

Perversion defined: A turning from truth or right; a diverting from the true intent or object; a change to something worse; a turning or applying to a wrong end or use.
Anonymous | 8:00 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
The benefits of Domestic Partnership are being used by people other than those in a gay relationship. What about heterosexual couples who don't want to be married, what about elderly parents living with single chidren? There are many taking advantage of the program.
lifer | 8:12 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
To those saying, "If you want benefits just get married," I say:

If you want them to get married, just repeal amendment 3!

Anyone read Catch 22 lately? It's unbelievable that it was written ... what ... 40 years ago.
Anonymous | 8:14 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
...divorce, infidelity, cohabitation DO undermine marriage and those things are being "rewarded� by SLC against the Utah Constitution.
To those who do not understand how government works� The States laws govern the cities and the Federal laws govern the States. If you want to change the Utah Constitution, then look to the Federal government for help.
We have been accepting that divorce, infidelity and cohabitation (regardless of the gender) exist, rewarding the situations and tolerating them are two different things.
Domestic Parnters-leftists | 8:22 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
This is all part of the gay agenda..and the feminization of men. The secular progressive/gay nation crowd realized long ago that they needed to undermine all traditions in our country as part of the socialist agenda. As Marx stated, he needed to get rid of the burgeois (spell?) for him to achieve his socialist agenda. Clearly, this is the path we are heading down and we must do everything we can to stop it. Domestic, union, whatever...are not marriages. The only reason to get married is to have children..there is no definition in the Bible that supports gays-"domestic partners". The Bible is the founding book and America is a Christian nation.
Listen to Reason | 8:16 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
This is a vile attempt to attack the family. Yes this registry benefits non-gays etc, but it would give gays/lesbians a foot in the door!

All of you that are LDS ho can you think that this is not a begining step toward hurting the sanctity of marriage. I say again THIS REZGISTRY IS A FIRST STEP towards the world's slowly moving agenda which is set to destroy the FAMILY Yes THE FAMILY.

I find it interesting to see so many Christians become complacent in this matter. I suppose it is true that first we despise it, then we tolerate it then we accept it. I fof one will always fight this matter. You all may choose to support it, but MARK MY WORDS you may yet live to see the day when you will regret with your entire soul even supporting this measure. Remember this is a way for them to get thier foot in the door.


And of course this is in complete violation of the Constitution of Utah- which is binding upon all of Utah. If SLC wants it different then repeal the ammendment or let SLC succeed from the UNION.
Re: SLC'er | 8:31 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
It's always the OTHER person who hates, right? Glad that your simple mind quickly reduced this to an us vs. them issue.
50% of marriages end in divorce | 8:35 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
....so it's obvious that half the people do not consider their vows "sacred" AND most people do not have church marriages, anyway.

Don't you all know the difference between wedding ceremonies and the legal documents (that are the true marriage?) Sheesh.
Good Grief | 8:42 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
With all the other problems out there....why are these guys working so hard on this. Fix the schools and other state issues, and then you can fight over marriage all you want.
Darin M | 8:49 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Dear Abish,

Your argument, and others like it, is founded on nothing but an incredible insecurity. Allowing partners to register - even granting same-sex couples the same right to marriage - does NOT in any way undermine traditional marriage. No one is out to destroy the institution of marriage - this is pure paranoia. SLC's registry improves the lives of others in a way that hurts no one!

Second, it is illogical to criticize folks for lacking something that has been officially denied them - especially if you agree with it. How many times have I read over the past few weeks here the Forum comments an argument that goes like this: "If couples want partner benefits, they should just get married; but don't let gay couples get married because that will ruin things." Well, which way do you want it?

Finally, you can have your "core beliefs", but why must you impose them on others? Have you considered for one second the possibility that your beliefs may be irresponsible, immoral, or destructive? I think they are, but I wouldn't deny you the right to have them.
Sad | 8:45 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Poor Buttars. How sad it will be for his descendents to look back and see that their ancestor was a warrior on the wrong side of history. I may not understand the registry completely, but it sounds like it grants no rights to registered partners, it just enables private companies to ease the process of determining whether to offer benefits. I remember the people pushing Amendment 3 talking about how it was limited to gay marriage. If those same people now say Amendment 3 prevents a registry like this, we've been subjected to the old bait and switch. The people pushing this anti-gay agenda make my heart ache.
Great Photo | 8:47 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
The photo that ran with this story says it all: Becker is sharp and Buttars is blurry.
dingo | 8:51 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
it is not discrimination to determine in the mayor's policy is unconstitutional. the review of this matter should take place in strict accordance with policy and procedure. the subject matter is not germane to the review. This issues was decided by the people and its duly elected officials.

in my opinion the mayor is intentionally trying to force an issue that has been decided. he is intentionally looking for loopholes and wiggle room. at least he is not like his predecessor in that he is at the moment far more diplomatic in his approach. he is still wrong but at least non-confrontational.
Goatnapper'96 | 8:58 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Senator Buttars needs to fully disclose that he is simply the front man for the Eagle Forum. Ironic the hatred that group espouses while hiding behind their "family values" camouflage.
Here we go again... | 8:57 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
RE:Kevin in Texas. If we could get married, we would. But gays are being denied the rights of marriage and being denied health insurance, so your argument is moot. Give us one or the other.

RE:Abish. Marriage is a LEGAL issue not a religious issue. If we wanted to be married in the temple, that would make it an issue of religion. Getting married by a judge or Justice of the Peace is a LEGAL issue.

RE: GOOD! STD's happen to everyone, not just the unmarried and gay. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Lastly, can ANYONE explain to me how to people of the same sex getting married would be the end of the traditional family? In Utah we have a high divorce rate, we have infidelities. Is this because of the "Gay Agenda"? NO! Here in Utah, the traditional family was 18 wives to one husband. Was that the end of Traditional Marriage? And polygamy is STILL practiced by the LDS church. Again, that is a religious issue. GET IT??!!
Anonymous | 9:00 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
There are going to be many taking advantage of the program. This is not a gay issue at all? Marriage is between a man and a woman and if you don't like it get out! Go to another country or move to Massachusetts.
Stop punishing the strait people.
RE:LIsten to Reason | 9:02 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Explain how Gay marriage is the going to destroy the family? If gays were allowed to marry what do you think would happen?? All of a sudden all the men would want to marry each other? Explain how you have come to this conclusion instead of just repeating the typical mantra.

If gays could marry each other, they would stop marrying you.
Utah is Not a Happy Place | 9:03 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Gay Hate, Anti-Gay Hate. Mormon Hate, Non Mormon Hate. Democrat Hate, Republican Hate. SLC/Park City Hate, Rest-of-State Hate. Drinker Hate, Non-Drinker Hate. Utah: The Hate State. FEEL IT.
Anonymous | 9:10 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
America is a secular nation whose constitution was written by secularists who did not believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ or God as a father to pray to. They also undermined traditional theocracies and therefore were anti-Christian nation. The Bible is not the founding book! Please grow a brain.

If you don't believe it, do some reading. Read the actual words of the founding fathers of this country, and don't let religious authority dictate your history lesson. They will fill your head with ignorance.

Let's continue to undermine religious control of government just as our founding fathers did.


Amendment | 9:04 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
The constitutional amendment that over 66% of Utah voters approved states that "no other domestic union, however denominated, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect". Essentially, Becker and the city counsel are seeking to circumvent this amendment.
Re: 8:49a | 9:42 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
To Darin M,
Your first argument is weak and unsupported by facts.
On your second argument:
Gay couples can marry just like all the other citizens of Utah; they can marry the opposite gender and have ALL the benefits of being married.
Perhaps that clears up the "they can get married" issue.
Your third argument, you argue against yourself. You�re imposing your ideas on the rest of the State.

Society rewards relationships that benefit society. The relationship that has been good for society for thousands of years is that of the traditional marriage (one man married to one woman). Any other unions have shown throughout history to be a detriment to society. Some are outlawed.
lifer | 9:45 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
"Amendment"

So. . . .

The city council could form a personnel policy that addresses employee benefits affecting heterosexual couples, children, dependents, etc.

But amend 3 prohibits them from doing so with same-sex couples?

Sorry dude, insurance benefits are relevant to MANY relationships. An internal city personnel policy that addresses whether certain household members are or are not entitled to such bennies does NOT run afoul of amend 3 because it doesn't promote gay marriage any more than covering kids is promoting procreation.

It's an internal city personnel policy for crying out loud.

The one good thing about Buttars getting all overheated about this is that maybe it keeps him and Mylar from trying to totally screw over someone else whom they hate and are sooo threatened by.
RE; ANONYMOUS 9:10 | 9:57 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Get over yourself. I was born and raised here in Utah. It's my home, and I will do what I can to make it a happy home. If that offends you, then maybe YOU should be the one doing the moving to another state. Can't the anti-gay people come up with a few new things to say aside from "God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve", the beaten to death "If you don't like it then move" or the ever popular "Stop the Gay Agenda". Here's a new one for you, "Stop Chris Buttars and the Eagle Forum before the skeletons in their closets are found out!"
Catherine | 9:55 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
I can't believe some of the narrow-minded comments and people.

It would really kill everyone to allow a domestic partner to visit their loved one in a hospital after they were critically injured in an accident? Or to stand at their side to offer comfort during a medical procedure? Or someday allow medical insurance to their loved one? Those things somehow threaten and erode everyone else's marriages and will send society spiraling out of control into sin? Give me a break. Grow up and stop being so judgemental to other people who aren't exactly like you.

If this somehow threatens marriage- those marriages must all be built on sand.

Not everyone is the same- thank goodness.
Roscoe | 9:59 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Buttars, his ilk and supporters are supposedly christians yet the people they fight on this issue are really the ones that demonstrate morals.
AdjustableSpanner | 10:05 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
The point remains that heterosexual couples have TWO marriages; the one performed in a church, and the one recognized by the government by virtue of having paid a tax (purchasing a marriage license). Gay couples can participate in the first, because there ARE churches that will perform those ceremonies. They can't participate in the second, which is the one that carries with it tax benefits in the form of reduced income tax rates.

Failure to recognize gay marriage - the secular tax rate recognition - amounts to unequal treatment under the law, and goes to the issue of citizens right to freely associate. It is fundamentally unfair on economic terms.
fr1nk | 10:12 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
What is this "gay agenda" I keep hearing about.
Re Anonymous 9:10 | 10:18 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
I am new to this state, having just moved here from California. I have been a Mormon all my life. Every conference I would hear President Hinckley talk about how we need to be more inclusive to our non-member neighbors. I never understood what he meant until I moved here.

Now I know. He was talking to you, but apparently you are either too ignorant to get that or too lax in your understanding of the gospel to even listen to Conference.

Now you may believe that the homosexual lifestyle is sinful as defined by your religion. But guess what, you just broke a direct commandment of a prophet of God that was given literally dozens of times. For shame. So now who is the sinner?

It's so easy to point the finger and say "Yes, they are to blame for my lot in life." It is far more difficult for you to look inward and understand that the turmoil of the nation, and of the state, lie with your blatant disregard for all that a prophet of God stood for. I never once heard a prophet mention the gay agenda. But numerous times he mentioned your sin of hate.
CeeCee | 10:23 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
For all you who are saying that marriage is under attack and that the sanctity of the family is at stake let me ask you: How is it under attack? How does my living with my boyfriend "ATTACK" your marriage? How does my straight male friend who is raising his daughter and also has three straight roommates ruin your family? If your marriage or your family foundation is on such shaky ground that something this innoucous is going to ruin your family/marriage then you better turn inward and look at the problems that YOU are dealing with before attacking others.

This isn't about SEXUAL relations, this about people who live together designating someone to receive benefits. And to the guy that said you don't want your taxes going to pay for it: why don't you read the text of what SLC passed, it's about allowing PRIVATE business to enact this, something which the city is doing and I highly doubt your tax $ are going to cover this program.
Left Narrow mindedness | 10:24 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
The left is open minded to all points of views as long as they agree with theirs. However, if you have a different or more conservative point of view then they don't want to hear, understand, or consider it.

The fact is that liberals are the most closed minded group that is out there.
truly alternative | 10:27 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
If the registry is truly about accomodating alternative lifstyles and fostering tolerance: then shouldn't polygamists be able to register?
Oh I forget: It is not about IF you discriminate - but merely how fashionably you discriminate that is important. Because the left draws the exact same line in a different place than the right does, then it is somehow more enlightened.
MoJules | 10:30 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
NON-GAYS???

I do not condone the acts of homosexuality, just as I do not condone adultry. I am in my mid 50's and I have many female friends who have never married, many of them will share a home and expenses and do not engage in physical intimacy. Sometimes siblings will live together in their older years, so why can't those who share a household, share insurance and such? I believe in the sanctity of marriage, but I also believe that it is hard to live on a single income now? So this isn't a gay issue, this is a issue of non-marrieds sharing the cost of living.
Phil | 10:32 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Odd comment:

People with a moral problem are the ones that demonstate morals.

And how do they do it, by demanding other have to accept their immorality, no choice?

Sounds like double speak to me.
Brenda | 10:41 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Dear friends,

We should encourage gays and lesbians to form committed and monogamous relationships. This registry is a pro-family initiative. Buttars should not be allowed to twist this truth.
Good in theory... | 10:56 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008
Wouldn't it just be nice if we could simplify things by allowing patients at a hospital to make lists of people they would allow to visit them or get medical information about them. And on the issue of insurance, wouldn't it work best if the employee just paid a certain amount for anyone additional on the plan whether it's a spouse, child, younger sibling, elderly parent, or even their dog. That way, the employee is taking the financial responsibility of the coverage. It might work in theory but I have no clue if it would work in the real world. There is no perfect solution to this issue. No matter what happens, people will find something to be upset about.

Oh, and by the way, "Here we go again", the decision to practice polygamy was reversed by the LDS church many years ago. Those who choose to still practice polygamy are NOT part of the church, but part of sects sometimes using the name of the church. Just thought you should know.

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Salt Lake Mayor Ralph Becker listens Monday to Sen. Chris Buttars, foreground, speak against Salt Lake City's domestic partner registry. Becker defended the registry.

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