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(Minneapolis) - OutFront Minnesota, the state’s leading organization
serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community and
our allies, strongly praised today's unanimous Minneapolis City Council
vote in favor of increased recognition of domestic partnerships in the city.
"Today's vote sends a clear message that the City of Minneapolis is committed
to making sure the city is as welcoming as possible to all families, including
those consisting of domestic partners, with or without children," said OutFront
Minnesota Public Policy Director Monica Meyer. Public Policy staff were
instrumental in drafting the initial language for these initiatives.
The three proposals, introduced by Council Member Scott Benson, who was
joined by Council Members Gary Schiff and Robert Lilligren, would recognize
domestic partner registrations from other cities, a move based on a New
York City ordinance; include domestic partners in the housing code’s definition
of "family;" clarify that "domestic partnerships" are included in certain
provisions of the City's Civil Rights Ordinance; and allow couples even
from outside Minneapolis to register, though outside the city such registrations
are purely symbolic.
"As a result of today's vote, Minneapolis is at the forefront of cities
in the United States in terms of affirming the equal rights and dignity
of domestic partners," Meyer stated. "We hope that, someday, the State of
Minnesota will follow suit, because the protections the State can provide
are vastly greater than what any city can offer."
Contact: Monica Meyer, Public Policy Director
(612) 822-0127, ext. 115
Phil Duran, Legal Policy Analyst
(612) 822-0127, ext. 102
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