New York City -
Right now, when gay couples go to register as domestic partners at a New York City clerk's office, all they get is a piece of paper.
But starting on June 3, those offices will start performing ceremonies upon request.
New York began registering domestic partners in 1993. Since then, 50,000 people have signed up. Interestingly, most are not same-sex couples. The New York Post says that last year, 70% of the partners were straight.
The ceremonies will be just that -- ceremonies. Gay partners will not have any more rights than they did before. New York state lawmakers defeated an actual gay marriage bill last year.
But starting on June 3, those offices will start performing ceremonies upon request.
New York began registering domestic partners in 1993. Since then, 50,000 people have signed up. Interestingly, most are not same-sex couples. The New York Post says that last year, 70% of the partners were straight.
The ceremonies will be just that -- ceremonies. Gay partners will not have any more rights than they did before. New York state lawmakers defeated an actual gay marriage bill last year.
