Moorhead deciding on adopting a domestic partner registry

Moorhead, Minn. (WDAY TV) - Moorhead could soon be adopting a domestic partner registry. This would allow same sex and different sex couples who are in long term committed relationships to receive a certificate as registered domestic partners.

Tonight in just less than an hour the Moorhead Human Rights Commission will meet here at the council chamber to talk about supporting the registry. Moorhead would be following other Minnesota cities in adopting a domestic registry. Minneapolis implemented a program in 1991; more recently Duluth and St. Paul have passed the registry.

Supporters say it would help create a community where all families are included and recognized with dignity and respect. They say it would bring in money for the city, along with possibly benefiting couples through their employers.

"It's really kind of a ground swell right now people are just in the conversation, excited that it's happening in our community and if nothing else the conversation is happening.”

Boschee says the program would not mandate an employer to offer additional benefits, just provide more opportunities.