Eagan creates domestic partnership registry
by Jessica Harper
Thisweek Newspapers
Unmarried domestic couples in Eagan will soon be able to have their commitment recognized by the city.
The City Council unanimously voted Jan. 3 to establish a voluntary domestic partnership registry for unmarried couples who reside together. This includes heterosexual, homosexual and transgender couples.
“It doesn’t make money for the city, but it will offer a service for those who requested it,” Mayor Mike Maguire said.
Discussion regarding the topic started in July when a resident asked the City Council to consider the concept.
The voluntary registry has been adopted in 16 Minnesota cities including Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth.
One resident expressed his displeasure with the ordinance at the meeting.
“Obviously, it’s a stepping stone to find a way to have same-sex marriage,” Tim Lewis said on Tuesday. “I don’t know why Eagan had to start that.”
Phil Duran of the advocacy group OutFront Minnesota described the council’s decision as “a very heartening move.”
Such ordinances provide legal documentation that helps unmarried couples obtain some of the benefits bestowed upon married couples, explained Tom Hedges, city administrator for Eagan.
For a $25 fee, those who register have an easier time obtaining health and life insurance, and accessing their partner’s medical information in an emergency.
If a couple decides to dissolve their partnership, they must complete a form notifying the city at a cost of $25.
Jessica Harper is at jessica.harper@ecm-inc.com.
