Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Link (http://www.kansan.com/stories/2007/jan/23/registry/)

The registry would allow same-sex or opposite-sex couples who live together in long-term relationships and are economically connected to register their relationships with the city, according to a memo from the city's legal services department.

Dennis "Boog" Highberger, city commissioner, said the registry could help employees in these relationships claim benefits, like health insurance, for their partners.

Are there privacy rules planned for this registry?

I would hope so...

Karen

Quote from: Karen on January 23, 2007, 09:15:00 PM
Are there privacy rules planned for this registry?

I would hope so...

Karen

Don't people usually get married to share it with the world?

Dennis

  It all looks good in theory except....

  If a business provides it's own insurance to employees then they still have the right to offer "domestic partner" coverage or not under this ruling.  Insurance companies also decide whether or not they will cover domestic partners and a "registration" with the city is not required for any of this.  Which means that businesses that didn't offer benefits beforehand chose not to and retain that right even after a  couple have registered.  They allude to the fact that many companies will offer "domestic partner" benefits if there there is proof such a partner exists.  I've yet to see any company, who offers domestic partner benefits, require that the couple be "registered" as a prequisite to coverage.  That simply makes no sense as registration for domestic partners doesn't exist in most areas.  These companies simply ask for a signed affidavit that gives the information of such partner.   

QuoteJonathan Pryor, Columbus senior and director of KU Queers & Allies..  "I think the most intangible benefit would be the symbol the registry would represent to individuals," Pryor said. "It would provide a way for people to show their commitment to their partners that they have never been able to do legally."

  Let's face it...a "legal" marriage is simply a tool for couples to gain things such as insurance, death benefits and such.  The marriage itself has zero to do with "commitment" as is proven daily in divorce courts around the country.  Registering as a domestic partnership doesn't show commitment, people show commitment,  and it offers none of the benefits of a "legal" marriage. 

  The only possible benefit to this is it shows that there are some people who are trying to even the playing field for domestic couples. Although in conservative Kansas, much like Oklahoma, these kinds of things often create a backlash effect resulting in stricter "one man, one woman" legislation being passed.  People get scared when they think "the gays" are gaining ground and rally to protect thier conservative views.  This is painfully obvious especially in recent history.....