Jeff Anderson said the following in an email.

I emailed Jeff the other day asking him a couple of days about his ordinance. The ordinance deals with domestic partnership. 

I thought it was interesting so I thought I would share it with you.

 

1. What is the purpose of introducing this?

Because same-sex couples and different sex domestic partners have little access to legal recognition of their relationship and their families, a domestic partner registry can be used to assist employers who wish to make domestic partner benefits available to their employees.  I believe that the federal and state governments should be taking the lead on this.  Since they are not, I believe that local governments should in order to provide certain recognitions for all of our citizens.

2. If it is going to be largely symbolic then why do it?

It will undoubtedly be symbolic for some couples, but for others it will make it easier for them to receive benefits from their employers.  57% of Fortune 500 companies provide domestic partner benefits.  This will help our citizens who are unmarried, or cannot legally be married more easily access these benefits.  This is not a gay marriage proposal.  This is simply a registry, identical to the registry that Minneapolis has had in place since 1991; and the same as more than 70 other cities have in place.

3. What are some benefits this would bring to the city?

I think most people would agree that they want their city to be a welcoming city for all people.  This levels the playing field and helps bring some equality that currently does not exist.  Also, this will not cost taxpayers a dime.  People must pay to register which covers the costs associated with maintaining a registry.

It's important to note that the proposed registry does not create any special rights for same-sex couples.  The proposed registry would be open to both same-sex and different sex couples alike.
The proposed registry places no requirement on any business, or the City of Duluth itself (in fact state law prevents municipalities from providing domestic partner benefits to its employees).  However, if an employer chooses to do so, having a city registration mechanism may assist in the administration of their benefits program.

4. What kind of feed back have you been getting so far?

Good.  I have certainly received some negative feedback, mostly from people who don't understand the concept of the registry.  The majority of feedback I've received has been very positive and supportive.