Friday, October 4, 2002
Israeli municipality extends domestic partner eligibility benefits
A story published today by Ha’aretz reports The Tel Aviv municipality yesterday approved new city regulations which would grant same-sex couples the same benefits as it grants other couples. Under the new rules, single sex couples will be eligible for discounts and benefits at cultural facilities and various city events.
Earlier this year, the municipality approved in principle a proposal to grant unmarried couples the same benefits which are accorded to couples officially married by the rabbinate. Yesterday's formal approval was the final step in the process, and the proposal can now go into effect.
The law applies to couples whose members live in the same residence, and are not family relations.
Persons seeking benefits under the new regulations will have to submit an affidavit, signed by an attorney, to Tel Aviv municipality.
Those couples that are interested in acquiring such documentation can obtain copies of the declaration form on the municipality's internet site. After completing this procedure, couples will receive a municipality benefits voucher, similar to one received by single parent families; the document will include a list of city facilities to which the couple is entitled to benefits
