FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2008
New Name Will Replace “Domestic Partnership Registry”
Salt Lake City – Mayor Ralph Becker announced today he will recommend to the City Council that the name of the “Domestic Partnership Registry” be changed to the “Mutual Commitment Registry.” The Mayor is recommending the change to comply with legislative requirements enacted during the 2008 General Session .Becker has submitted the name change to the City Council. Council members may consider the change as early as their April 1 meeting.
“This name change does not impact the essence of the registry. We are pleased the Mutual Commitment Registry will remain substantively the same as the Domestic Partnership Registry. No matter what we call it, the Mutual Commitment Registry will create a way for Salt Lake City to recognize relationships of mutual support, caring, and commitment,” explained Mayor Becker. “This is an opportunity for us to provide a mechanism for all of Salt Lake City’s residents to obtain health care and other benefits.”
Background on the Mutual Commitment Registry:
The registry will allow individuals who qualify to apply for and receive a certificate attesting to their status under the registry. This certificate will aid employers who wish to provide health care or other benefits as they determine the status of individuals applying for benefits.
“With implementation of the Registry,” Becker explains, “Salt Lake City will help local businesses save time and money in the process of determining the nature of the relationships of their employees. Under the new ordinance, the City will provide the service of verifying Mutual Commitment and administering proper documentation.”
To qualify for Mutual Commitment status, a number of requirements must be met. The requirements include a statement that the individuals are in a relationship of mutual commitment, support, and caring, and are responsible for each other’s welfare. Additionally, registrants must be over 18 years old; be competent to contract; demonstrate financial interdependence according to enumerated criteria; and share a primary residence in Salt Lake City.
The Mutual Commitment Registry will be administered by the Salt Lake City Recorder’s Office. Registering a relationship will be voluntary. Individuals wanting to register must first obtain a Declaration of Mutual Commitment from the City. After the Declaration is signed by each individual and notarized, it will be filed in a registry kept by the Recorder’s Office. Individuals will receive two certified copies of the official statement documenting their registration.
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