Domestic Partnerships Recognized in Phoenix, AZ

It's a baby step, but one that deserves great applause. At a time when many in Arizona are feeling hurt by the passing of Prop 102, there is light.

Yesterday the Phoenix City Council voted to adopt an ordinance to recognize domestic partnerships by a vote a 6 to 0. The council approved the creation of the domestic partnership registry for Phoenix residents who are in committed relationships, be they gay, straight or other the right to visit each other in the hospital.

"By recognizing domestic partnerships, the Phoenix City Council removed some of the barriers that have prevented unmarried couples, gay or straight, from being able to take care of each other," said Barbara McCullough-Jones, Executive Director of Equality Arizona. "It's hard to imagine what it would be like to be told that you couldn't visit your loved one in the hospital or hold your partner's hand before they went into surgery. Unfortunately, that story is all too common for gay and lesbian couples. We are thankful that the members of the Phoenix City Council have taken this important step to help unmarried couples in committed relationships take care of each other."

1 down, 1137 rights and protections to be gained... but every step in the direction of equal rights should be celebrated! Phoenix City Council, we tip our hat to you.

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