Same-sex couples clamored for Orlando’s domestic partner registry. Nearly 20 appointments were taken within moments on its first day, according to OnTopMagazine.
Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan
With that said, the Orlando Sentinel reports those registering—available Jan. 12—won’t be limited to gay couples.
“I think there’s going to be incredible interest. We’re going to see a big surge in the beginning,” Equality Florida’s Joe Saunders said.
The registry gives couples hospital visiting rights, health care decision-making rights, as well as the right to make final arrangements. Domestic partnerships can be recorded at City Hall for $30. “It’s not as many rights as marriage, but it helps couples during very difficult times,” Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan, the registry’s chief cheerleader, said. Sheehan and her partner, Jocelynn White, are the first couple slated to sign the city’s registry.
Orlando is following other area municipalities’ examples. For instance, Miami and Gainesville, as well as Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties have domestic couple registries.
Photo: voteforpatty.com
