Cleveland Pride

CLEVELAND—After months of intense debate, the Cleveland City Council passed the city’s first Domestic Partner Registry by a vote of 13 to seven (7). Effective May 7, this important piece of legislation is cause for huge celebration among the LGBT community.

The passage of Cleveland’s Domestic Partner Registry not only puts Cleveland on the national stage politically, it is yet another step in the nationwide pursuit of equal rights for and by the LGBT community, and can be counted as momentous a decision as the passage of marriage rights laws in Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa.

“This is quite a victory in a conservative city like Cleveland,” observed Todd Saporito, Board President/CEO of Cleveland Pride.

“The Stonewall Riots in 1969 mark the formal beginning of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender community’s pursuit of equal rights. Just as that group made history, so, too, did the Cleveland City Council by passing this important registry,” he added.

The registry, though non-binding, could prompt employers, hospitals and other organizations to grant privileges typically reserved for married couples, advocates say. The registry is a revenue booster and a symbolic gesture that Cleveland is gay-friendly. As a result, it could mean increased economic growth and revenue for Cleveland, because LGBT persons will be more inclined to include Cleveland as a travel destination. Additionally, it helps local LGBT persons feel more comfortable about spending their money in Cleveland, vs. spending it elsewhere for the goods/services tailored to their needs.

Saporito acknowledges that several local organizations were instrumental in lobbying for the passage of the Domestic Partner Registry.

“Specifically, I extend gratitude and a world of thanks to Cleveland Families Count and Ask Cleveland for their support of the registry. They were instrumental in moving this legislation forward,” he said.

“Last, on behalf of Cleveland’s entire LGBT community, I wish to thank publicly the Cleveland City Council for their intelligent debates about this registry, as well as their humanity in passing a piece of legislation that in this day and age should not be in question,” Saporito remarked.

Below is important information about the registry, and what you can do to help:

• Legislation is for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples
• May 7th is the effective date of the legislation
• Cleveland is asking all same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners to register; http://www.lgcsc.org/thecenter/300couples.php
• The domestic partner register is only $55 per couple

Come Two, Come All
8am – 4:30pm Register as Domestic Couple’s at City Hall
12noon – 2pm Rally and Celebration at City Hall
7pm – 8:15pm Ecumenical Workshop Celebration at Pilgrim Church
8:30pm Celebration at Bounce/Union Station

To Register as Domestic Partners bring valid photo ID and $55 (financial assistance may be available…email Sue Doerfer at sdoerfer@lgbtcleveland.org).

There are several events happening that day at City Hall. Parking will be very limited. Please use RTA or Park in the Municipal Lot (E. 9th and South Marginal).

All participants in City Hall events must enter through the front door. A valid photo I.D. is required for entry.