Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Passes Domestic Partner Registry Ordinance
New Ordinance Does Not Grant Legal Rights
Couples wishing to register with the city must file an application and pay a $35 fee. The registration can also be terminated for a $20 fee. According to Eureka Springs officials, the ordinance is intended to encourage employers to provide benefits for couples, whether heterosexual or homosexual, who for some reason are not able to be married. Many companies, including Clear Channel Communications, Cox Communications, Cisco Systems and Kraft Foods recognize registered partners for purposes of health benefits. In addition to benefiting homosexual couples, elderly heterosexual couples who would lose retirement benefits if they remarried can benefit from the new domestic partner registry as well. The registry does not guanrantee the couple the right to benefits, but it does make it easier for non-married couples to qualify for benefits.
To qualify for the registry, couples have to certify that they are in a committed relationship, not involved in another domestic partnership and intend to be domestic partners indefinitely. The ordinance does not specifically mention same sex couples.
The new ordinance is certain to face a legal challenge from conservative groups in the state. Arkansas Constitutional Amendment 83, passed in 2004, states that marriage is between "one man and one woman." Critics of the Domestic Partner Registry claim that the Eureka Springs ordinance violates state law, but city officials say that it isn't true.
The ordinance can be overturned if a referendum of voters is called. Reverend Philip Wilson of the First Christian Church of Eureka Springs is collecting signatures to force a referendum.
This is not the first time that Eureka Springs has found itself in the crosshairs of the conservative movement. In November of 2006, voters approved a measure that deemphasized the prosecution and arrest of people caught with less than an ounce of marijuana. The Arkansas Family Council Action Committee, who are oppose to the domestic partner registry, were opposed to the marijuana ordinance.
Source: KTHV, "Eureka Springs to Recognize Same Sex Couples," May 14, 2007
The Morning News "Proposed Eureka Springs Ordinance Causes Uproar," April 26, 2007
Published by Kari Livingston
Kari Livingston is a freelancer writer living and loving life in the foothills of the Arkansas Ozarks. She specializes in local restaurants, attractions and family events. Her work has appeared on HubPages,... View profile
More Reasons to VIsit Eureka Springs, ArkansasIn adddition to the sights listed by others, Eureka Springs Arkansas is home to many other must-see attractions- Eureka Springs, Arkansas Budget HotelsIf you want to spend more of your money enjoying Eureka Springs attractions and less on your motel room, these choices can save you money.
- Eureka Springs, Arkansas: A Great Vacation and Travel DestinationHave the vacation of a lifetime at Eureka Springs in Arkansas, by knowing the Attractions to see - Best times to visit - Places to stay, and more.
- Haunted Eureka Springs, ArkansasEureka Springs, Arkansas features plenty of chills and thrills in hotels and cemeteries.
- Christian Married Couples: Falling in Love All Over AgainHow married christian couples can fall in love all over again and use their love and romance as a great witnessing tool.
- Eureka Springs First in Arkansas to Enact Domestic Partnership Registry
- Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Domestic Partnership Registry Opens Today
- Eureka Springs, Arkansas Tourist Information
- Why You Should Visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas
- See Eureka Springs, Arkansas
- Eureka Springs Arkansas: Historic Downtown District
- Vacation Homes in Eureka Springs Arkansas
- Domestic Partner Registry is available to any couple from anywhere in the U.S.
- Recogniton does not grant legal status.
- Many companies provide health benefits to registered partners.
11 Comments
Post a CommentI'm sure the "Gays" didn't want you, nor did they wish to try and change you. We are people just like YOU! We work we pay taxes and we also Own and Manage business. We have every right to be there as you do. Believe it or not not all gay people try to put there beliefs off onto straight people, we just want to be acknowledge as equal... Simple, If dreading coming to such a beautiful place puts you out then stay away if you know it's going to be there but your the one missing out on everything that life has to offer. Who knows it could be your child marching in those Gay Pride weekend parades Then what ! Try keeping a open mind and we do make good friends..
I was in Eureka Springs on Oct. 28th 2007, It was where my partner and myself exchanged our vows to each other. Standing over looking the moutains and expressing our love to one another. How can that be wrong? Your heart tells you who you love and in your heart you know it's nothing wrong. Today is Oct. 13, 2008 coming upon our 1st year, Were going back to renew our vows once again and in the same place. Hats off to those who made it a special place and time for us... Those who wish not to come here during Gay weekends should stay home, close minded people cannot experience all of life and other peoples beliefs, If you have a open mind and see how open and lovin some same sex couples are then perhaps your homaphobic fears will disapear.. If they don't then you are the one who could miss out on your grandkids same sex marriages or your best friends choices in partners... You accept people for who they are and what is on the inside.. Were not out to change the world but to make
Don't you people realize that homosexuality is an abomination to Yahweh our God. Both indulgers and supporters are sinning. The diseases continue to manifest in your bodies, but you still persist. It's bad enough to suffer in this life, but eternity is a lot longer. Repent now, while you still have a chance. God is willing to forgive your sins and welcome you into His Kingdom, but you must repent and live for him and not for your carnal pleasures. Time is running out and you need not go into the lake of fire. God bless you.
We were recently in Eureka Springs, one of our favorite places to vacation, and missed the Diversity Weekend. We were dreading being there in the midst of "gays" but were spared by the weekend passing before we got there. What we saw were middle-aged couples like ourselves who really love Eureka Springs. Tourism will surely drop off and the local economy will suffer if Eureka Springs becomes a "diverse city". We will call ahead to City Hall and make sure that "diversity weekend" will not be held on the weekend we plan to be there next time or we will simply go to another vacation spot in Arkansas. Eureka Springs has so much to offer, it will really be a shame if the "gays" take over. I know they have a right to be there too but I don't feel it is necessary to call attention to them over other tourists.
Recently took a picture of my partner and I in the same place we took it in Eureka back in the 70's.
Way to go Eureka
R Holloway
Lebanon TN
Actually, having the council as representative of the people take their time and listen to their public and weigh all the options over a two month period is wonderful. Having a minister of one of the fire and brimstone churches push for a special election is just a guy willing to waste a bunch of taxpayers money. All voters had access to their Council members. The council did a great thing for human rights. For ALL!
I do not oppose the DPR, but I do not think that 6 City Council Members should decide this. Let the people of Eureka have a voice in a decision which will ALLOW all to have a part of the decision making process.
That's good news! -- I've been there and have to say I'm surprised the town has done something so progressive... Maybe I'll have to go back some time with my girlfriend... (Oh yeah, need to get a girlfriend first.)
I am so proud to be from Arkansas.. Finally some good news... :-)
Hmm, seems like a way to increase the city's coffers without really extending any benefit to the citizens.