Just yesterday, for the first time ever, in Cleveland, unmarried couples--same-sex and "opposite"-sex--began signing up for the city's new domestic partner registry.
Supporters plan a celebratory rally; detractors will kick off a National Day of Prayer.
Pfffft.
This isn't a big deal, nor is it a little deal. it's a mostly symbolic gesture: It does not guarantee any rights, though it may encourage employers and hospitals to give unmarried couples the same rights usually reserved for the married.
"It's not about marriage," said Councilman Joe Cimperman, who sponsored the registry. "It's about recognizing relationships. And this is just the beginning. Come on, it's 2009! This is the battle of human rights for our generation."
This may not sound like much to y'all, but it is one of those, and here I go again, baby steps. I think allowing same-sex partners to register as domestic partners will show some opponents of marriage equality that it isn't an affront to traditional marriage. It's simply a commitment to share your life with the person you love and having it recognized.
A small step, but a step.
Cleveland.com has the full story.
Yeah for Cleveland! Baby steps are at least steps!
ReplyDeleteThank your lucky stars that you're not in Utah where something like this will never happen!