University City May Create Registry for Same Sex Partners

If a new law is passed, University City will become the first local government in St. Louis to create a registry for same-sex partners.

This would ultimately mean that same-sex partners and other unmarried persons who live together would be given the same rights of visitation that spouses enjoy at correctional facilities and health facilities in the city. Domestic partners would also have the right to make important decisions at funerals and health care; they would be referred to as family and could be notified in an emergency.

This bill would only apply to those buildings inside University City, but this is still considered a huge success for proponents of the bill. Down the road, this bill could encourage employers to extend the same benefits to same-sex couples as to married couples. According to Terry Crow, a council member,

"We're helping to create an atmosphere where it's more likely [...] I do hope we're able to set an example and I would hope that municipalities in the county would follow our lead." Crow has been working with Mayor Shelley Welsch have been collaborating on domestic partnership rights this past year.

If you have questions aboutdomestic partnerships, contact our law office to get help from a Long Island family law attorney today.