The Phoenix City Council voted unanimously today to approve the creation of a domestic partner registry. Three members were absent, but the remaining six–including mayor Phil Gordon–took a stand for true equality. It’s hardly made the news, but I’ve not missed it.
This means that since we cannot marry, gay and lesbian couples can register as “domestic partners” and get the same rights and benefits as married couples (for the most part). Straight couples have this option available as well, but it’s primarily aimed at GLBT couples because marriage is not an option. Hospital visitation rights are a big factor in this. Most hospitals have strict rules regarding visitation, especially in emergencies; it doesn’t make sense for a person to carry around a legal document defining who they want to see in those circumstances, and the registry takes care of that issue.
Let it not be said that Arizona is so conservative that it’s intolerant.




