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Tuesday, June 19, 2007

BREAKING NEWS: The 1st domestic partner registry in Kansas history is law

[updated 7:19 p.m.]

The Lawrence City Commission just took it's third and final vote on the registry. As before, the ordinance passed 4-1. This is historic.

There was no discussion. The whole thing was over with in less than 5 minutes.

For the first time in Kansas history, same-sex couples have a means of getting public acknowledgment of their relationships. This is not a symbolic gesture. This means that domestic partners will have access to health insurance and other benefits offered by their partners' employers.

The registry goes into effect Aug. 1. Details on the new registry can be found in the approved ordinance. The registry is open to both same-sex and heterosexual couples, but is only available to residents of Lawrence. Couples will register online and pay a fee, which has not yet been determined.
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[update]

Even though tonight's vote was over in minutes, it took months of grassroots effort to win the registry. Kudos to Maggie Childs and the rest of the Lawrence Chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition. You did very well indeed!

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