Would a Domestic Partnership Registry Be Possible in Venango County?

Harrisburg Domestic Partnership Registry Ordinance Introduced

Harrisburg, July 15 – Domestic Partners in Harrisburg could soon have a more streamlined process for obtaining health care benefits and receive some of the same benefits in the City as married couples -- Equality Advocates Pennsylvania worked with City Council Vice President Dan Miller and Harrisburg Attorney Benjamin C. Dunlap, Jr. to draft the citywide domestic partnership registry legislation.

The ordinance was introduced by Councilman Miller today. He said the voluntary registry, created by Harrisburg City Ordinance No. 15 of 2008, will make it easier for businesses to determine domestic partners' eligibility for healthcare and other benefits, where offered. The designation also grants domestic partners, committed to each other's maintenance and well being, visitation rights in health care facilities located within the city limits.

Stacey Sobel, Equality Advocates Pennsylvania’s executive director, spoke at the press conference to announce the legislation’s introduction. She urged City Council to approve the legislation and stated that “the domestic partnership registry will aid many of Harrisburg's families by providing access to benefits that all families deserve. This type of legislation has strong support across the state.” Sobel noted that polling conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research in November found that 91% of people polled supported hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples.

Eligible couples need to be over 18 years old and living in the same home. They also need to meet three of five financial criteria, such as sharing a mortgage, bank account or being designated as a beneficiary on their partners' life insurance policy. The measure now heads to the city council for consideration.

"We think this is an important step toward assuring that those citizens who share a committed life partnership are granted the same rights as any other citizen in the same situation." Council Vice President Miller said. "This includes health care and visitation rights."