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Page 37
V olume 17 ♦ N umber 22 ♦ S eptember 15, 2000
P o rtla n d , O re g o n
Partners register
with county
Committed couples hope
to serve as role models
for young lovers
by J onathan
K ipp
ultnomah County issued the first
certificate in its new domestic partner
ship registry Sept. 1 outside its marriage
license office.
The special ceremony also served as a media
event for television and newspaper reporters and
provided Portland politicians a chance to speak out
about gay rights. The registry allows all unmarried
domestic partners, including same-sex couples, to
formalize their relationships as public record.
Dick Levy and Larry Hobnet were the first
couple to utilize the registry. Mayor Vera Katz and
County Chair Bev Stein signed their certificate as
witnesses while television news cameras surround
ed the foursome during the historic moment.
The couple celebrated their 31st anniversary
together during Labor Day weekend. Levy says the
registry is particularly important for young couples.
He and Hobnet have a long history together
as proof of their commitment. Everyone knows
we are a couple, Levy says, but people who just
are getting together don’t have that, so the reg
istry will be quite significant for them.
By stepping forward and appearing before the
media, the couple hope young lovers will realize
having a long and stable relationship is possible.
People are shocked when they find out the men
have been together more than three decades,
Levy says.
Stein thinks the registry is an important ele
ment paving the way toward domestic partners
getting the same benefits afforded to married
couples; however, nothing is planned right now.
The number of couples who register might help
determine when a next step might occur, she
says, noting the timing for moving forward must
be appropriate.
Katz says that many couples live together
instead of getting married by choice but that oth
ers don’t have the choice. “These people lack
even the most fundamental legal protections.”
She says the registry is more than symbolic. “It
will help get health benefits and other benefits,”
she says.
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Continued on Page 15
w H M
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■ Cleveland High teachers
issue statement Page 6
■ Campaign staffers
tabs the initiative Page i i
■ Pertlied anther
tears hash haa Page 35
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