Commission advances domestic-partnership registry recommendation; chair authorized to forward draft to county executive

The commission discussed a draft ordinance to establish a domestic-partnership registry for unincorporated St. Louis County and voted to authorize the chair to forward a recommended version to County Executive Sam Page.

The presenter read a proposed ordinance that would let two adults who share a principal residence register as domestic partners with the county clerk, require in-person filing with proof of residency, limit the registration fee to $50, and specify that the registry "does not confer marriage rights or state level benefits." The presenter also described registry administration and basic penalty provisions for false statements.

The chair said the commission should pair any recommendation with an educational campaign so residents, businesses and institutions understand how the registry would operate.…