in Lawrence, Kansas.
"Commissioners on a 4-1 vote agreed to make Lawrence the first city in the state to create a domestic partnership registry that will provide some official recognition to gay couples, who are prohibited by state law from marrying."
**snip**
"Opponents of the registry expressed concerns that the city was being irresponsible by not requiring gay couples to submit to an HIV test, and that the city was harming the institution of marriage by promoting homosexuality. Others said they feared the registry was just the first step by activists to push for special rights for gay individuals."
**snip**
“It isn’t your job to tell me if my life is correct,” said Kelly Barth, a Lawrence resident who is a lesbian. “It is your job to ensure that all citizens are treated fairly and equitably.”
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/may/23/domestic_regis... /
The registry was proposed by our members in the Kansas Equality Coalition, Lawrence chapter. This is a huge victory for us even if it is in the most liberal area of Kansas. That area has been changing rapidly and this was never a sure thing.
Of course this is Kansas and the State is getting ready to do a state wide ban so we will be fighting this once again next legislative session.
Hooray for Lawrence, Kansas and hooray for the Kansas Equality Coalition, especially the Lawrence Chapter, for doing so much and succeeding.