Thursday, November 28, 2002

A story published today by the Journal News reports that New York state’s Westchester County opened its newly created domestic-partner registry for the first time, allowing domestic partner couples to receive formal recognition from a government entity to pursue benefits and legal options as a couple. The county is following New York City, Ithaca, Albany, Rochester and more than 100 state or local government agencies around the country that have legally recognized same-sex partnerships.

"I'm proud to be a county executive of a county that's so inclusive," County Executive Andrew Spano said. "I think it's a terrific idea, and I wish more people would do it. It's a long time coming."

The registry allows couples — including heterosexual ones who are unmarried — to obtain benefits available to them from the employers who offer such packages. It accords others rights for visitation to hospitals and other institutions, but does not create or guarantee benefits for couples. The registry is open to county residents and people who work for the county.

The county Board of Legislators voted 12-5 in late September to create the registry after a long and contentious series of debates and public hearings in which opponents said it undermined the traditional institution of marriage. The registry became law 60 days after Spano signed it and went into effect yesterday.