Eagan establishes registry for domestic partnerships

Eagan residents in domestic partnerships will soon be able to register their commitment with the city.

The City Council voted Tuesday to establish a domestic partner registry for residents in mid-January.

"It won't change significantly anybody's tax burdens, but it will offer a service that somebody requested," said Mayor Mike Maguire.

The discussion of a domestic partner registry began in July when a resident asked the City Council members whether they would consider the idea.

Sixteen other Minnesota cities already have domestic partner registries, which give gay couples a chance to document their relationships. Among them: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Hopkins, Maplewood and Red Wing.

But an effort to establish a similar registry in Inver Grove Heights fizzled in the face of community opposition last fall.

One Eagan resident voiced his unhappiness Tuesday.

But Phil Duran of advocacy group OutFront Minnesota said, "This is a very heartening move."

He said city recognition will help couples to apply for benefits, such as life insurance.

Under the new ordinance, unmarried but committed couples who share a life and home in Eagan can register their partnership at City Hall by completing an application and paying a $25 fee.