Those who want their relationships recognized by the government—even if they cannot marry—may have that opportunity soon in Urbana, according to the Daily Illini.
On April 25, behind a 6-1 vote, the Urbana City Council sent an ordinance that would create a domestic-partnership registry to this week’s meeting with a recommendation for approval. The registry would be available to both gay and straight couples and to residents as well as non-residents of Urbana.
Those who register as domestic partners cannot be in a marriage recognized by the state of Illinois or be claimed by someone else as a dependent.
There is no set date for the registry to be available, but the ordinance states that it must be available by Sept. 1. The city would charge a $15 fee to pay for the registry’s maintenance. The document would be public record, like a marriage license. If a same-sex couple parts ways, both parties must sign a termination agreement, which dissolves their relationship.