Politics & Government

Q&A: Clayton's Domestic Partnership Registry

Find out who is eligible for the City of Clayton's new registry, what benefits it provides and how much it costs.

Now that the Clayton Board of Aldermen has approved the formation of a domestic partnership registry, residents may be asking how they can sign up.

The following answers were taken from an email interview with Clayton officials, a city news release and comments posted using social media.

When did the domestic partnership registry win approval?
Aldermen during a meeting Tuesday night at .

What benefits does the registry provide to residents?
The registry does several things for residents

  • It allows them greater access to facilities such as through the issuance of family memberships and other services.
  • It encourages health-care providers to treat partners as family members for purposes of visitation.

How does this affect Clayton organizations and businesses?
Quoting from the news release: "The ordinance is intended to make it easier for institutions and businesses to identify recipients of their benefit plans, open access to facilities that allow family memberships, and give widowed seniors certain benefits without remarrying which could put them at risk of losing benefits from Social Security or a deceased spouse’s pension. The registry does not assure property rights granted only by the state of Missouri."

What qualifications must couples meet?
Candidates must meet the following critera:

  • They have lived with their partner in Clayton for at least six months.
  • They have only one domestic partner.
  • They are not married to anyone other than their domestic partner.

May registrations be terminated with the city?
Yes.

Find out what's happening in Clayton-Richmond Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

What are people saying about the registry?
“The City of Clayton has always worked to build an inclusive community that strives to improve our residents’ quality of life at all levels. Building strong family units and protecting the rights of those in domestic relationships is a part of that initiative. The registry can help strengthen bonds that are important to the welfare of our diverse city.”
— Mayor Linda Goldstein (as quoted in the release)

"Congrats, Clayton! City becomes 3rd in county to create domestic partner registry; joins STL, U City, Olivette and more for same-sex reg."
— @newsformaggie (via Twitter)

"Clayton, Missouri follows up with promise - Domestic Partner registry ordinance passed unanimously tonight!"
— @PROMOMissouri (via Twitter)

"one more step closer............with deep gratitude for those that did the work……"
— Richard Trennepohl (via Facebook)


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