Branson Neighbor Eureka Springs Gay Marriage Initiative

bransonagent@yahoo.com Eureka Springs plans to start domestic partner registry Friday by Paula Morehouse, KY3 News EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. -- Opponents of a domestic partner registry in this tourist town say they gathered 160 signatures on a second petition drive calling for a public vote on the issue. The city clerk promptly rejected the petition, however, because she says its title doesn't satisfy state law. City officials immediately scheduled a ceremony for 9:30 a.m. Friday to inaugurate the registry. The Rev. Philip Wilson, pastor of First Christian Church of Eureka Springs, turned in the petition-signatures on Thursday afternoon. He and other opponents want to force a public vote on the ordinance that established the domestic partner registry. If the city clerk had accepted the petition, city officials would have had to delay the effective date of the ordinance until after a special election, or until the clerk determined the petition didn't include enough valid signatures of registered voters in Eureka Springs. Opponents see the registry as an endorsement of homosexuality, although heterosexual couples also could use the registry. Supporters say the registry would be the first step towards getting insurance, healthcare and financial service companies to extend benefits and recognitions to unmarried persons' partners. Wilson and opponents gathered enough valid signatures – they needed 144 and got 147 – on a previous petition to put the measure before voters in a special election. They turned in that petition on June 14. City Clerk Mary Jean Sell rejected that petition for not meeting state several legal requirements. The City Council voted unanimously in May to begin registering both gay and heterosexual couples. Couples who are 18 and older and pay a $35 fee will receive a certificate noting their partnership, which would be recorded in a paper registry. Story Created: Jun 21, 2007 at 5:10 PM CDT Story Updated: Jun 21, 2007 at 6:13 PM CDT -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com