Change for Cleveland?

Cleveland City Council considers registry for domestic partners
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Henry J. Gomez and Gabriel Baird
Plain Dealer Reporters

Several Cleveland City Council members want to create a
domestic-partner registry for same- and opposite-sex couples who seek privileges
reserved for the married.


The registry could cultivate a gay-friendly image for
Cleveland and ultimately boost the city's revenue. The registry would be
nonbinding, meaning employers and other organizations would not be forced to
extend health care benefits to unwed couples or allow visits with a hospitalized
partner. But supporters hope the registry will encourage the granting of such
rights.


Councilman Joe Cimperman, a sponsor of the idea, said a
registry would help Cleveland as it bids to host the 2014 Gay Games, a sporting
event with a global audience. In addition, fees paid by those who register could
pour some much-needed cash into city coffers.


Passage in Cleveland would come when such groups are
struggling to obtain rights nationwide. Last week, California voters outlawed
gay marriage. Four years ago, Ohioans approved a constitutional ban on same-sex
marriage and civil unions.

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Wow. We'll have to see how this ends up panning out for Cleveland.