Pittsburgh Passes Registry

Pittsburgh City Council passed legislation Tuesday establishing a partner registry for people living together in committed relationships.
The measure passed on a 7-1 vote.
Openly gay Councilmember Bruce Kraus wrote the legislation and said it is similar to one in Philadelphia.
It will be open to both unmarried opposite-sex and same-sex couples.
Couples would be required to produce three documents indicating "mutual responsibility." After paying a $25 fee they would then sign a domestic partner registry and receive a document signifying they are registered.
The certificate could serve as proof of a relationship for couples applying for domestic partner benefits at private companies which offer them.
If one partner is a city employee, the registry would allow health benefits for that person's partner under Pittsburgh's health plan.
The registry also would be open to siblings or others in mutually dependent relationships such as a father and child.
The registration could by terminated if one partner presented an affidavit terminating the relationship or died.
"[It aims] to show that Pittsburgh is in fact a very progressive and forward-thinking city [and position it to] attract good-quality employers, and good-quality employees," Kraus told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.