A. The city recognizes that nationwide debate has advanced an expanded concept of familial relationships beyond traditional marital and blood relationships. This expanded concept recognizes the relationship of two (2) nonmarried but committed adult partners. Recognizing this, the city hereby adopts a process to provide persons to declare themselves as domestic partners, thus enabling employers to voluntarily provide equal treatment in employment benefits for such partners and their dependents.
B. This chapter establishes a mechanism for the public expression and documentation of the commitment reflected by the domestic partnership whose members cannot or choose not to marry.
C. It is appropriate and fair that certain of the societal privileges and benefits now accorded to members of a marriage be extended to those who meet the qualifications of a domestic partnership. The mechanism established by this chapter will facilitate the definition of those entitled to such privileges. (Ord. 94-3647, 11-8-1994)