Official status for gay couples

Press, 18 March 1989, Page 18

Official status for gay couples

NZPA-KRD San Francisco City leaders are preparing a landmark ordinance that would expand the definition of family to include homosexual couples, extend to unmarried couples some of the benefits now provided only to married people and improve benefits for extended families. A big element of the “domestic partnership” proposal includes a formal process ftp- gay couples to register at city

hall and be issued certificates similar to marriage licences. The certificate could also be obtained by heterosexual couples who want some public recognition of their relationship. Under the plan, homosexual and unmarried heterosexual partners would have legal standing in real estate and rental contracts. Sick leave for city and county employees whose lovers or parents are seriously ill also would be expanded, and

child care policies would be standardised throughout city departments. Partners would also have hospital and jail visitation rights similar to traditional family members. The insurance and sick leave needs of parents who have adult children living with them also would be addressed by the proposal, drafters said. The ordinance would have no direct effect on private businesses, but

drafters of the legislation hope domestic partner certificates would encourage employers to extend benefits to gay couples.

“I haven’t heard of anything as encompassing as this anywhere in the United States,” said Mr Tom Dimaria, a National Gay and Lesbian Task Force spokesman in Washington.

probably one of the last things we’ll achieve nationwide.”