The registry defines domestic partnership, outlines the registration process and provides an overview of protections provided within a domestic partnership that has been recognized by the city of Orlando. Those protections include hospital visitation, rights to health care decisions, correctional facility visitation, rights to funeral/burial decisions, guardianship and the right for both domestic partners to participate in the education of their children.
At the first public hearing, Mayor Buddy Dyer expressed surprise that nearly 20 people requested to speak before the commission. Dyer initially asked whether some of the speakers may want to just “stand and wave” to show their support but later reconsidered, assuring everyone that he was aware of the importance of the issue and wanted to ensure that all would have the opportunity to personally participate in the proceedings.The vast majority of the speakers were in support of the registry.
The opening speaker was attorney and LGBT advocate Mary Meeks. “It’s because of Orlando’s progressive leadership that our world will be a better place to live and die,” Meeks told the commission.
Joe Saunders from Equality Florida touted the potential financial benefits of the registry, saying it will help Orlando “in conversations centered on economic development and our goal to remain a nationally competitive city.”
Vicki Nantz, Meeks’ partner, brought a picture to the podium of her close friend Joyce and Joyce’s partner Claudia, who died in Joyce’s arms but because of Florida’s law defining marriage as only between a man and a woman, was unable to direct important decisions surrounding Claudia’s burial wishes.
Several speakers argued against the passing of the ordinance, stating that any action supporting the ordinance is wrong and immoral and against God’s will. One of them is a regular anti-gay speaker at city and county commission hearings who fills out the request form listing his name as “Charles Norris,” also the name of a well-known conservative actor and television personality. Norris also spoke against the county’s decision to approve domestic partner benefits for employees in April 2011.
Despite the warnings of divine intervention, the council moved forward.
Commissioner Tony Ortiz admitted that while his conservative background and culture initially had him struggling with his decision, at the end of the day he believed it was the right thing to do.
“God is going to judge us individually,” he said. “This is not a gay and lesbian issue, this is a human issue.”
As he led into the vote, Mayor Buddy Dyer summarized, “successful cities are going to attract tolerance and embrace diversity. This is the right thing to do, and the right time to do it.”
Last week, city commissioner Patty Sheehan released information about the cost of a domestic partner registry for couples who wish to be registered.
Thirty dollars covers the basic registration, plus it costs $5 for an extra copy, $10 for termination and $10 for amendment, such as a change of name or address.
“It goes in effect 30 days after passage, which will be Jan. 12,” Sheehan said.
The second and final reading will be held Monday, Dec. 12.
“I think [the vote’s] going to be unanimous,” Sheehan said, adding that the registry only covers 5 of the 1,200 rights legally married couples receive, but “they’re the important ones, the ones we always hear the heartbreaking stories about, like hospital visitation and funeral arrangements.”
She said once the registry is approved, the city’s work will not be complete.
“We’re going to work with hospitals and funeral directors to communicate what this ordinance means,” Sheehan said. “The city is committed to not only passing this but making sure everyone understands it as well.”
Attorney and LGBT advocate Meeks said community members are encouraged to attend the Dec. 12 hearings and show support for the registry by wearing red and speaking in favor of the ordinance’s passage.
