| :: Cleveland council votes to enact domestic partner registry :: |
Cleveland Synergy Foundation
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| Synergy: The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. |
Posted by Henry J. Gomez/Plain Dealer Reporter December 08, 2008
21:18PM
Cleveland City Council voted Monday to create a domestic partner registry
for same- and opposite-sex couples, ending weeks of emotional,
behind-the-scenes lobbying on both sides of the controversial issue.
The registry, though nonbinding, could prompt employers, hospitals and
other organizations to grant privileges typically reserved for married
couples, advocates say. The registry also is a revenue booster and a symbolic
gesture that Cleveland is gay-friendly.
But several council members reported intense pressure from local pastors,
who oppose domestic partner benefits on religious grounds. At one point
Monday afternoon, a rattled Kevin Conwell, a co-sponsor of the legislation,
seemed ready to change his position.
"I had more than 70 calls over the weekend," Conwell said.
Conwell ultimately voted with the majority. The final vote was 13-7.
The legislation next heads to Mayor Frank Jackson, who plans to sign the
registry into law, a spokeswoman said late Monday. The registry will take
effect 120 days after the mayor signs.
Voting against the legislation were Phyllis Cleveland, Roosevelt Coats,
Kenneth Johnson, Sabra Pierce Scott, Terrell Pruitt, Zack Reed and TJ Dow.
Over the next four months, Cleveland officials will work out details for their
registry.
Councilman Joe Cimperman, who sponsored the legislation, said couples
likely will have to pay $55 to register and declare that they are in a
committed relationship and "share responsibility for each other's common
welfare."
The couples would not have to live in Cleveland.
U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Democrat of Cleveland, spoke in support of the
registry Monday as members of council's Finance Committee debated it at a
public hearing. "There are a lot of talented people who want to know that
this is a welcoming city," said Kucinich, a former mayor and councilman. "I
think this legislation does that."
Lobbying on the other side was Yuri Ammari, pastor from Metro Alliance
Church. Ammari cited biblical verses in calling on council to vote against
the legislation.
"I would beg the council to delay a 'yes' vote until there is more dialogue,"
he said.
Councilman Zack Reed, who voted against the registry, said he was lobbied
by his pastor, the Rev. Marvin McMickle.
Also voting against the registry were Councilwoman Sabra Pierce Scott,
Councilman Roosevelt Coats.
Pierce Scott said prior to the vote that she had concerns about how the
legislation was worded.
At a committee hearing, Coats cited biblical passages that he said denounce
homosexuality. "Many of you may disagree," he said.
"That's fine. These aren't my words. These words are in the Bible."
Registry proponent Sue Doerfer, executive director of the Lesbian Gay
Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland, said she is
used to such comments.
"This is not new opposition," she said. "I expected it, although it's never
easy."
Plain Dealer reporter Gabriel Baird contributed to this story.
